There is none to show more patience at listening to the most irksome things than Allah, the Exalted and Glorious. 'Partnership is associated to Him (polytheism), and (fatherhood) of a child is attributed to Him, but in spite of this He protects them (people) and provides them sustenance.' This hadith has been transmitted on the authority of Abu Musa with a slight variation of wording.
Exposition of Divine Patience
The hadith from Sahih Muslim 2804 a, b reveals Allah's supreme attribute of patience (as-sabr). Allah endures what no created being could tolerate - the attribution of partners to Him in divinity (shirk) and the ascription of offspring to the Creator. This constitutes the gravest injustice against His divine majesty.
Theological Implications
Allah's patience demonstrates His complete independence from creation. He is not diminished by their disbelief nor enhanced by their worship. His continued provision for those who commit shirk manifests His all-encompassing mercy and perfect self-sufficiency (al-Ghani).
This divine forbearance serves as a respite for repentance, not divine approval of shirk. As Imam Nawawi comments: "Allah postpones punishment to allow opportunity for tawbah, demonstrating that His mercy precedes His wrath."
Practical Lessons
Believers must emulate this divine characteristic by exercising patience when wronged. The Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him) demonstrated this when persecuted in Mecca, praying for his people's guidance rather than their destruction.
This hadith also warns against taking Allah's patience as indifference. The delay in punishment is a divine test, and the final reckoning will manifest His perfect justice.