More than Patience (Sabr)

For many Muslims, the word “patience” and the term “sabr” have come to mean the same thing. The beauty of the Arabic language is that many words like sabr, ihsan and taqwa, and others have such a broad definition that no English phrase can adequately describe them.

Moreover, as a Muslim we are aware of the significance of embodying sabr in our daily lives. Along with being a part of one of Allah’s ninety nine names (As-Sabūr), Allah has asked the believers to embody this characteristic. Following verse in the Quran state that:

“O you who believe! Seek help with patient perseverance (sabr) and prayer, for God is with those who patiently persevere” [2:153, al- Baqarah] .

The linguistic definition of sabr

The literal meaning of the word sabr is to restrain or stop, the definition that is given by the scholars is the perseverance to stay steadfast regardless of the situations and conditions. Sabr has been divided into 3 categories according to various scholars.

Sabr Ala Al-Ta’a (patience in obeying Allah)

This definition of sabr refers to doing as Allah’s commands, even when it is difficult or inconvenient. For example in Surah Al-Imran (134) we are commanded to restrain our anger:

“They are those who donate in prosperity and adversity, control their anger, and pardon others. And Allah loves the good-doers” [3: 134, Surah Al-Imran] .

Humans naturally experience anger, and all of us will experience a time when we will be tempted to lose control of our emotions.

Moreover, although none of us will be perfect the efforts that we make to control our anger when we feel the want to lose control; however, we would still try to control our anger as much as we can.

Sabr Al-Ma’siyyah (patience from abstaining from the forbidden).

Several things that are widely accepted in our modern society contradict the laws of Allah and the teachings of our Holy Prophet (S.A.W) for example using foul language is getting common day by day and our society is accepting it. But the Messenger of Allah repeatedly advised us in his various hadiths for example:

“It is not befitting the truthful that they curse others” [Sahih Muslim 2597, Grade: Sahih]

“Your duty is to be gentle and beware of harshness and bad words” [Sahih Bukhari 5683, Grade: Sahih]

Furthermore, in this case, sabr means putting Allah’s laws and the guidance of The Holy Prophet (S.A.W) before the society. In other words it is also said that we must follow Allah’s decrees over society rules or established customs.

Sabr ‘Ala Al-Ibtila (patience in the face of adversity)

Every one of us will have time when we are challenged. Many types of adversity may exist. A financial, family or personal hardship could be involved.

In this context, sabr refers to not losing your faith when we are faced with adversity.

Characteristics that we should aim to display when facing adversity are as follow:

Not complaining

The Messenger of Allah said “The real patience is at the first stroke of a calamity” [Bukhari].

This indicates that our initial response to a challenge demonstrate our faith in Allah.

When we hear or experience a problem, what is the first word that has to come out of our mouth a complaint or a curse? Or is the first thing we say “Alhamdulillah?” the answer to this question proves our belief in Allah.

Not relenting in efforts

Sabr is shown in our efforts as it is said in the Quran:

“Indeed, Allah will not change the condition of a people until they change what is in themselves” [13:11, Ar-Ra’d] .

This demonstrates that although Allah is always in control of the outcome, but we still need to exert some efforts when dealing with hardships or challenges.

Moreover, while preaching in Mecca the Holy Prophet (S.A.W) never back-pedal his efforts. He didn’t ask Allah for a miracle and wait for it to happen. He was active in his attempts to spread Islam.

Not relenting in prayer

A Muslim’s true faith is shown in tough times so whenever we face adversity, we must strengthen our bond with Allah since only he has the power to turn things around.

Furthermore, whatever the Holy Prophet (S.A.W) experienced during his thirteen years in Mecca, his situation never affected his attitude towards Allah. He kept returning to Allah even after losing his beloved wife Khadijah (RA) and loving Uncle Abu Talib in the Year of Sorrow.

Although we cannot always control our circumstances, we can control our attitude and how we respond to them.

Reward for Sabr

There are several rewards for the ones who display sabr in their everyday lives it is said in the Quran:

“Allah loves those who have sabr” [Qur’an, 3:146] .

Unlike many other rewards that Allah promises, Allah’s love cannot be measured by a number. A hadith of the Prophet (S.A.W) explains the blessings that we receive when Allah loves us. Prophet Muhammad (PBUH) said that Allah (SWT) says:

“When I love [my servant] I am his hearing with which he hears, his seeing with which he sees, his hand with which he strikes and his foot with which he walks. Were he to ask [something] of Me, I would surely give it to him, and were he to ask Me for refuge, I would surely grant him it” [Bukhari].

It is obvious that every person would experience a number of the tragedies, challenges, and difficulties that this life brings with it. The difficulties he faces can sometimes be found within himself, with his possessions, or with his family members. Both the healthy as well as the ill are tested. The healthy person might not be aware of this until he or she experiences a hardship, and the sick person might not recognise a test until they have recovered. The Prophet stated in a hasan (good) hadith that no one is protected from challenges due to their status or position; such things do not protect us from the testing. Prophet Mohammad (P.B.U.H) has stated that:

““The people who receive the severest trial are the Prophets, then those most like them and then those most like them” [ at-Tirmidhi and ibn Maajah]”

Hence, we all should be very well aware of the fact that this world is a test and we need to pass every test with patience and gratitude.