Importance of Sabr in Islam
What is “Sabr”
Sabr is an Arabic word which means patience and it is defined as to prevent one’s soul from ever being irritated and annoyed, to keep the mouth from arguing, and prevent yourselves from hurting others either physically or mentally. The patience of the last Prophet Mohammed (PBUH) is stated in many places in Holy Quran and Hadith, which indicates the qualities and greatness of patience.
Reward of Patience
God gives great status and importance to patience. It is among the finest deeds and also has the infinite reward. In Qur’an Allah says:
“Only those who are patient shall receive their rewards in full, without Hisaab (without limit, calculation, and estimation.”
(Quran, 39:10)
Only those who show patience (Sabr) with their Lord’s decree will be granted great reward. We experience many challenges, struggles and difficulties in our life but we need to be tolerant because God loves and supports those who work with patience even in their painful and hard times.
It is stated in Qur’an that:
“Only those who are patient shall receive their rewards in full, without reckoning.”
(Quran, 39:10)
Patience is the Essential Part of Islamic Teaching
Quran is the complete Holy book through which God directs and guides us the every aspect of life. Therefore, it teaches us that in difficult situations we must have firm faith in Allah that He is always there and will never leave us alone.
It is mentioned in Qur’an that:
“Surely, Allah is with those who are As Saabiroon (the patient).”
(Quran, 8:46)
Be Patient because it shows your Trust on Allah
It is much simpler and easier for a person who has trust on God, to be patient and keep on going even in hard times. Because he/she is well aware that whatever is going to happen in this world is all about God’s will and definitely there is a reason behind that.
Our prophet Muhammad (PBUH) said:
“Whoever persists in being patient, Allah will make him patient. Nobody can be given a blessing better and greater than patience.”
(Sahih Al-Bukhari)
Leadership comes with Patience
Those individuals who are patient and self disciplined are able to lead the whole community or even country, hence; it proves that management comes with patience.
Allah says:
“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)
Paradise will be Final Destiny for those who spend their life with Patience on Earth
Those people who show Patience in every matter of their life, God will award them in the life hereafter the highest place in Heaven, greetings, peace and respect.
It is mentioned in chapter 25 of Qur’an that:
“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)
What Prophet Mohammed (PBUH) said about Patience?
He said that Patience is enlightenment.
“Sabr (the patience) is illumination.”
(Sahih Muslim 223)
He declared that Allah says whoever endures peacefully and patiently on his beloved one’s death, Allah will welcome him to Heaven as a reward for his patience.
“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).”
(Sahih Al- Bukhari )
Holy Prophet Mohammed (PBUH) advices to be patient,
“Verily, patience is at the first strike”
(Sahih Bukhari)
Thus, all of the above mentioned hadiths and verses of Quran are reflecting the greatness and importance of patience (sabr). Muslim should perform patience in every difficulty with the belief that there is an entity who is our Creator and who would never let any of His creatures falls in hardships.
