Patience is always the remedy for the most difficult afflictions, while those who lack it are often doomed. Who would have imagined that the Greek philosopher Socrates, famed for his wisdom and culture, lived with a wife known for her shouting, ignorance, and fiery temper? She was sharp-tongued, strong-willed, and domineering. Socrates was forced to leave the house each morning at dawn and not return until after sunset. Yet Socrates once said of his wife, “I am indebted to this woman. Without her, I would not have learned that wisdom lies in silence and happiness in sleep.”
One day, while sitting with his students, his wife began shouting at him as usual, but this time she poured water over his head. Socrates calmly wiped his face and said, “We should have expected it to rain, after all that thunder.” It is said that Socrates’ calm demeanor and patience contributed to his wife’s death from a heart attack. One night, she ignited a fierce argument, raging like a volcano, while Socrates remained silent and composed. The stress caused her severe pain, and she passed away that night.

History has been shaped by remarkable women who left their mark in unique ways. Arwa al-Qayrawaniyya, wife of Caliph Abu Ja’far al- Mansur, imposed the first marriage contract on him that prohibited polygamy. She was also a driving force behind the founding of Baghdad, insisting that the city reflect the rich traditions of Yemen, Africa, and the Tigris and Euphrates rivers. Umm Malal al-Sanhajiyya was the only woman to rule Africa. She founded the Moroccan city of Beni Mellal and paved the way for al-Mu’izz ibn Yadis to govern Morocco and establish Sunni doctrine. Fatima al-Fihri from Qairawan, known as Umm al-Banin, was a patron of science and scholars. She founded the University of al-Qarawiyyin in Fez, Morocco, recognized as the oldest university in the world. Zaynab al-Nafdhawiyya, known as the wife of Sultans, played a major role in encouraging her husband, Yusuf ibn Tashfin, to found the city of Marrakesh.

Sheikh Nasser Al-Mubarak Al-Sabah, one of the sons of Kuwait’s seventh ruler, was blind yet remarkably intelligent and possessed a sharp memory, earning him the nickname Kaab al-Ahbar. He studied religious sciences, including jurisprudence, theology, and the Arabic language, under scholars in Kuwait. Sheikh Nasser began writing a commentary on al- Suyuti’s explanation of Ibn Malik’s Alfiyya, but did not complete it. His private secretary, Sulaiman Al-Adasani, assisted him with reading and research. Known throughout his life for his piety and righteousness, Sheikh Nasser had a profound love for worship, diligently observing prayer, fasting, and the pursuit of knowledge. He was highly respected by the people of Kuwait.

It is said that on the morning of Eid, a poor man looked out from his balcony and saw people grilling meat and exchanging greetings. Returning to his room, he found that his wife had prepared a simple meal of boiled fava beans, which she served with a smile and Eid greetings. The man sat down to eat, muttering to himself, “Everyone else is eating meat while I eat fava beans.” Frustrated, he threw the bean pods out the window with a sigh. Minutes later, he went outside and saw a very poor man sitting under his window, picking up the crumbs from the bean pods, cleaning them, and eating them, repeating, “Praise be to God who has provided food for me without any effort or power on my part.” The man wept and said, “O God, I am satisfied. O Lord, all praise is due to You as befits the majesty of Your countenance and the greatness of Your dominion.” Do not deny God’s blessings upon you. Perhaps you possess a blessing you do not fully recognize, while others wish they were in your situation. Praise God and be content with what He has allotted you, for He knows what is best.