In times of profound adversity, when the cries of the oppressed echo through shattered streets and barren fields, the commitment to “watch and wait” becomes more than just a phrase—it transforms into a pledge, a testament to resilience. This concept aligns deeply with sabr (patience), a central tenet in many spiritual and philosophical traditions. Sabr is not passive endurance; it is an active, unwavering belief that justice, though delayed, will ultimately prevail. It is this enduring patience that has guided humanity through countless epochs of tyranny.
Lessons from History: The Fall of the Mighty
History is replete with examples of oppressive regimes that seemed invincible but eventually fell under the weight of their arrogance. Consider the Pharaohs of Egypt, whose rule was marked by divine claims and the enslavement of nations. The story of Moses (Musa, peace be upon him) and the liberation of the Israelites is a timeless narrative of resilience. Despite Pharaoh’s immense power, he and his forces were drowned in the very sea they sought to use as a weapon of control. This is a powerful reminder that the natural order, under divine will, favors justice over tyranny.
Similarly, the Roman Empire, a colossus of its time, subjected millions to its authority and persecuted early Christians. Yet, the sacrifices of martyrs like Saint Peter sowed the seeds of a faith that outlasted Rome itself. Moving to the modern era, the Shah of Iran—a ruler known for his opulence and suppression—was toppled by a population united by their demand for justice and dignity. His fall demonstrates that no amount of wealth or military might can shield a despot from the reckoning brought about by an awakened people.
These historical collapses illustrate a universal truth: no tyrant is eternal. The oppressed, often dismissed as powerless, are the rightful heirs to a future shaped by justice. As Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. observed, “The arc of the moral universe is long, but it bends toward justice.”
Modern Despots and Their Downfalls
The past century has seen its share of authoritarian figures, each eventually brought low despite their apparent dominance. Saddam Hussein’s reign of terror over Iraq was marked by systematic violence against minorities, including the Kurds. His downfall, though prolonged, came with an undeniable message: tyranny is unsustainable. The very tools he used to maintain control ultimately led to his ignoble end.
In Bangladesh, the government of Sheikh Hasina Wajed has faced allegations of suppressing dissent and curbing democratic freedoms. Critics compare her administration’s actions to the cycles of authoritarianism seen throughout history. Her leadership serves as a poignant reminder that all wielders of unjust power are accountable to the people, if not immediately, then in due course.
Syria’s Bashar al-Assad presides over one of the most devastating modern conflicts. The destruction of cities, the displacement of millions, and the loss of countless lives paint a grim picture of unchecked power. However, history has repeatedly shown that such regimes are not invincible. The cries of the displaced and the memories of the fallen create an indelible legacy of resistance. Tyranny cannot outlast the collective will of a people united in their quest for justice.
Current Struggles: A Global Perspective
The plight of the Palestinian people under Zionist occupation is among the most harrowing of our time. Gaza, subjected to relentless bombings, blockades, and systemic human rights violations, stands as a stark symbol of oppression. Yet, the resilience of the Palestinian people is unyielding. Their enduring hope for justice, even in the face of overwhelming adversity, reflects humanity’s indomitable spirit. Each act of defiance, no matter how small, is a declaration that oppression cannot extinguish hope.
In Pakistan, the military establishment’s repeated interference in democratic governance has caused political instability and societal hardship. Generals who subvert civilian rule leave a trail of weakened institutions and disillusioned citizens. Yet, history bears witness to the fall of previous military regimes, reinforcing the belief that even entrenched powers cannot suppress the aspirations of a determined populace forever.
Globally, we see similar narratives unfolding. From the authoritarian crackdowns in Belarus to the persecution of Uyghurs in China, patterns of systemic oppression persist. Yet, so too does resistance. Humanity’s collective history is not merely one of suffering; it is also a chronicle of perseverance and eventual triumph.
Faiz Ahmed Faiz: A Voice for Justice
The poet Faiz Ahmed Faiz eloquently captured the essence of sabr in his revolutionary poem “Hum Dekhenge” (We Shall See). Written during a period of repression, the poem is a beacon of hope and faith in the inevitability of justice:
“Jab zulm-o-sitam ke koh-e-garaan, Rooi ki tarah ur jaayenge, Hum dekhenge.”
(When the mountains of oppression and tyranny Will blow away like cotton, We shall see.)
These verses transcend their time, speaking to every generation enduring oppression. Faiz’s imagery of oppressive structures reduced to dust is a call to patience and belief in the eventual victory of truth. His words resonate as both a comfort and a challenge to those who struggle for justice.
Patience as a Force for Change
Patience is far from passive; it is an active force rooted in faith and determination. The Quran assures believers, “Indeed, with hardship comes ease” (94:6), a promise that has provided solace across centuries. This is mirrored in the Christian tradition’s Lord’s Prayer: “Blessed are the meek, for they shall inherit the earth.” Both affirm that power ultimately resides not with oppressors but with those who endure with dignity.
A Call to Vigilance and Action
To “watch and wait” does not mean to be idle. It is a call for vigilance, for supporting the oppressed, for speaking truth to power, and for refusing complicity in injustice. Patience becomes most powerful when combined with action—be it through raising awareness, participating in movements, or small acts of kindness and solidarity. Belief in justice must be matched with efforts to achieve it.
As we reflect on the struggles of the past and present, we are reminded that tyranny is temporary. Pharaohs fall, empires crumble, and dictators face reckoning. The enduring lesson is clear: the meek will inherit the earth. With sabr, faith, and perseverance, we shall see the day when the mountains of oppression are blown away like cotton, and justice reigns supreme.
Until that day, we watch, we wait, and we endure
