By Oyewunmi kafayat Olaseyi
Sabr (Arabic: صْبِرْ ṣabr) is the Islamic virtue of “patience” or “endurance”.
Sabr is described as one of the two components of faith (the other being shukr). The first tool a believer should employ in trying times is patience
There are several instances of the qualities and magnificence of patience described in the Quran and the Sunnah of the beloved Prophet (“ﷺ”). Patience is referred to as “Sabr” in Arabic, which means “to contain.”
In the sight of Allah (SWT) patience has a high standing. The greatest of all virtues, patience offers unlimited potential for reward. Allah (SWT)said in Holy Quran:
“Only those who are patient shall receive their rewards in full, without Hisaab (without limit, calculation, and estimation).”
(Quran, 39:10).
Only those of us who are patient with the Decree of their Lord will receive a big reward. We have numerous problems, challenges, and sorrows in this life, but we must be patient since Allah (“ﷺ”) likes those who showed patience (Sabr) through a trying period.
Islam is a comprehensive rule of living that instructs and leads us in every aspect of life. Thus, it tells us that we must exercise patience in our trying circumstances so that we can firmly believe that Almighty Allah would never abandon us. Allah (SWT) stated in the Qur’an, “And be Patient. Indeed, Allah (SWT)is with those who are patient.
“Surely, Allah is with those who are As‑Saabiroon (the patient)”
(Quran, 8:46).
We may deduce from this verse of the Holy Qur’an that we should be faithful and patient no matter what challenges we face since Allah is with us and will never abandon us.
There are three different sorts of patience, according to Islamic scholars, exercising patience in order to carry out our duties and conduct ourselves morally. Second, refraining from immoral and forbidden behavior. Thirdly, a remaining patient without complaining during difficult circumstances.
PATIENCE IN HOLY QUR’AN:
The word Sabr in the Holy Quran is mentioned 102 times, the same as the word ‘Al-sheda’ (hardship). In order to be patient, one must control their emotions, their mouth from grumbling, and their physical parts from hurting themselves or other people.
Those People who have patience are the rightful people to lead so we can say leadership comes with patience as Allah said in Quran:
“Allah surely loves those who are the Sabiroon (patient).” (3:146)
“And We made from among them leaders guiding by Our command when they were patient and [when] they were certain of Our signs.”
(Quran, 32:24)
With patience you will get all good things as Allah (SWT)says in Quran:
“But if you endure patiently, verily, it is better for As-Sabiroon.”
(Quran, 16:126)
If you are patient in all your sufferings then the patient ones will receive plenty of rewards for their good deeds. Allah says in Holy Quran:
“Only those who are patient shall receive their rewards in full, without reckoning.”
(Quran, 39:10)
Allah is with those who are patient. He says in Holy Quran:
“And be patient. Surely, Allah is with those who are As-Sabiroon.”
(Quran,8:46)
Patience is something that is recommended by Almighty Allah which means it requires determination. Allah said in Holy Quran:
“And verily, whosoever shows patience and forgives that would truly be from the things recommended by Allah.”
(Quran, 42:43)
Those who will remain patient will enter Paradise. Allah (SWT)said in Quran:
“Those will be rewarded with the highest place (in Paradise) because of their patience. Therein they shall be met with greetings and the word of peace and respect.”
(Quran, 25:75)
PATIENCE IS SUNNAH OF PROPHET MUHAMMAD (“ﷺ”):
There are so many examples related to Patience in the life of Prophet Muhammad (“ﷺ”) that we should consider and practice in our daily lives while facing some trials or difficulties. Some of the sayings of Prophet Muhammad (“ﷺ”) related to patience are given below:
The Holy Prophet Muhammad (“ﷺ”) said that Patience is illumination. “As-Sabr (the patience) is illumination.”
[Muslim 223].
The one whose beloved ones or relatives die and endure patiently; Allah will also admit him to Paradise as a recompense for his patience. He (“ﷺ”) said: “Allah says, ‘I have nothing to give but Paradise as a reward to my salve, a true believer of Islamic Monotheism, who, if I cause his dear friend (or relative) to die, remains patient (and hopes for Allah’s Reward).’”
[Al- Bukhari]
The reward of being patient while the true believer is afflicted with any kind of calamities and trials. Holy Prophet (“ﷺ”) said: “No fatigue, nor disease, nor sorrow, nor sadness, nor hurt, nor distress befalls a Muslim, even if it were the prick he receives from a thorn, but that Allah expiates some of his sins for that.”
[Al-Bukhari]
Holy Prophet (“ﷺ”) said: “The believer who mixes with people and bears their annoyance with patience will have a greater reward than the believer who does not mix with people and does not put up with their annoyance.”
[Ibn Majah]
Be mindful of Allah and be patient as Prophet (“ﷺ”) said: “Verily, patience is at the first strike”
[Sahih Bukhari]
Benefits of patience:
Patience keeps you from getting bored during serious activities that require continuous energy and time.
Patience keeps you from rushing on tasks that require much time.
Patience controls you during times of anger and prevents you from committing wrong verbal or physical acts.
Patience controls you during conditions of fear and prevents you from committing wrong verbal or physical acts.
Patience controls you from greediness and prevents you from committing wrong verbal or physical acts.
Patience controls you from following your own desires.
Patience prepares you to withstand physical or psychological hardship when it is required.
Practicing patience is proof of the completion of faith and it is a good practice of Islam.
Practicing patience gives you guidance in your heart.
Practicing patience will lead you to be loved by Allah (S.W.T.) and the people.
Practicing patience is required in positions of power and authority.
Practicing patience will make a person enter Paradise and it will save him from hellfire.
Practicing patience will always keep you under the protection and care of Allah (S.W.T.).
Practicing patience will protect you from fear on the Day of Judgment.
Practicing patience will lead you to die as a good Muslim.
Finally, practicing patience will give you the blessings and mercy of Allah (S.W.T.).
“Only those who are patient shall receive their reward in full, without reckoning.”
– [ Surah Az-Zumar:10]
