It should be clear that patience does not mean tolerating injustice or oppression. Also, we have to differentiate between two rights: rights of the individual and rights of the whole Ummah. As for the rights of the individual, it may be better for the individual to forgive and forget about the wrong inflicted on him personally. On the other hand, as for the rights of the Ummah, it is the obligation of the leaders of the Muslim Ummah to defend justice and to confront oppression.
Sheikh Muhammad Al-Mukhtar Al-Shinqiti, Director of the Islamic Center of South Plains, Lubbock, Texas, states: “Allah says: “And those who, when an oppressive wrong is inflicted on them, (are not cowed but) help and defend themselves. The recompense for an injury is an injury equal thereto (in degree): but if a person forgives and makes reconciliation, his reward is due from Allah: for (Allah) loveth not those who do wrong. But indeed if any do help and defend themselves after a wrong (done) to them, against such there is no cause of blame. The blame is only against those who oppress men and wrong-doing and insolently transgress beyond bounds through the land, defying right and justice: for such there will be a penalty grievous. But indeed if any show patience and forgive, that would truly be an exercise of courageous will and resolution in the conduct of affairs” (Ash-Shura: 39-43).
Reading these verses and contemplating their meanings, a Muslim can understand that patience does not mean to tolerate injustice or unfairness. It is part of the rights of the Muslim to defend his or her rights after being oppressed, but to forgive is a better choice, as Allah says, “But indeed if any show patience and forgive, that would truly be an exercise of courageous will and resolution in the conduct of affairs” (Ash-Shura: 43).
This leads us to distinguish between the rights of the individual and the rights of the Ummah in the light of Islam. As for the right of the individual, it is often better for the individual to forgive and forget about the wrong inflicted on him personally. On the other hand, as for the right of the Ummah, it is the obligation of the leaders of the Muslim Ummah to defend justice and to confront oppression.”