Quiddity and the Place of Beautiful Patience: Rereading the Story of Ya’qub

Beautiful patience is one of the moral concepts in the culture and teachings of the Qur'an. This concept indicates a degree and level of self-control. Much has been said about the patience of Ya’qub, who twice reminded himself of the beautiful patience and seeking it. The question is what is beautiful patience He is asking for it? Is beautiful patience not an expression of perseverance and endurance of hardships, specially at the level of the prophets? In response to questions and critiques of commentators, there are two opposing theories: one says that his work was not against beautiful patience and the other says that we must accept that Prophet Ya’qub’s reaction, in parting with his lost child, was accompanied by manifestations of impatience that do not correspond to beautiful patience. The pattern of "Beautiful Patience" in the Qur'an should be sought in the prophets’ tolerance such as Abraham, Ayyūb and the last Prophet Muhammad (PBUH). Therefore, the report of his patience in the Qur'an is not a confirmation of this method of patience and a model of a perfect patience. For in the explicit expression of the Qur'an, the believers have been invited to the manner of patience and the behavior of the ʿUlu al-ʿAzm prophets. So, is the patience of Prophet Ya'qub (PBUH) may be evaluated in this regard? How is the expression of such manner? This article, after explaining the meaning of patience in the words and sayings of the commentators, narrators, opinions and evidences, explains these two statements by interpreting the verses of Surah Yusuf and expressing subtle points. It then deals with judging and criticizing the second opinion and what can be learned from this story.