Patience, also known as Sabr, is a key act that comes with benefits and rewards in Islam. Patience is a quality which helps us connect with Allah (SWT), enduring hardship with strength and to rely on the decree of Allah.
The Arabic translation of the word Sabr means to ‘endure’, or ‘persevere’. The importance of patience in Islam is mentioned in the Quran approximately 90 times, emphasised in many verses and associated with other virtues in Islam such as Shukr (gratitude). Many of the teachings of the Prophet Muhammad (Peace be Upon Him) also revolve around the acts of patience.
Allah says in the Quran, “O you who have believed, seek help through patience and prayer. Indeed, Allah is with the patient.” [Quran 2:153].
We are told by Allah that when we practice patience during times of difficulty, we draw closer to Him. Through patience we can strengthen our faith and our relationship with our Creator. Allah also emphasises He will forgive and grant mercy to those that face life changes with patience. Most importantly, the reward of those who exercise patience is doubled.
“These will be given their reward twice over, because they are patient, and repel evil with good, and spend out of what We have provided them.” [Quran 28:54]
There are 3 types of practices of patience that need to be exercised in Islam to get you through life as a believer.
This form of patience means to remain steadfast in your belief in Allah and follow his commandments by praying your daily prayers, fasting in the month of Ramadan, giving charity, and performing Hajj. It takes real endurance to fulfil our religious obligations without feeling the lack of motivation on a daily basis, however this is where our patience becomes most tested.
It takes a lot of self-control and perseverance to steer clear from prohibited acts and avoidance of sins.
Allah promises a reward to those who continue to strive for good deeds. He says in the Quran “And those who have believed and done righteous deeds, we will surely assign to them Paradise [elevated] chambers beneath which rivers flow, wherein they abide eternally. Excellent is the reward of the [righteous] workers. Who have been patience and upon their Lord rely.” [Quran 29:58].
Having acceptance in the decree of Allah requires immense patience. Allah tells us in the Quran that we should turn to Him during times of difficulty as He alone can give us the strength to get through it. This form of Sabr means to submit to Allah and be content with what He has decided for us.
There are many example of the Prophets in Islam who exercised patience through their lives.
“And how many a prophet [fought and] with him fought many religious scholars. But they never lost assurance due to what afflicted them in the cause of Allah, nor did they weaken or submit. And Allah loves the patient ones.” [Quran 3:146]
Prophet Muhammad (Peace be upon Him) became an orphan at a very young age and faced personal loss through his life, losing his wife and uncle in the same year. He faced persecution upon preaching Islam and was challenged by mockery and physical abuse, however continued to remain steadfast in his mission to spread Islam.
Prophet Musa (AS) faced the confrontation of the Pharoah and required immense patience to lead the children of Israel.
Prophet Ya’qub serves the powerful reminder of experiencing Sabr Jameel (beautiful patience), enduring hardship with grace through trust in Allah. Prophet Ya’qub received the news of losing his son, leading him to weep till he lost his eyesight, yet never lost hope in Allah and His decree.
Prophet Yusuf (AS) was thrown into a well by his brothers, and later faced false accusations leading to years of unjust imprisonment. Through these trials, he remained patient and firm in his belief.
There is no altering the Creation of God and all Prophets in Islam adopted this attitude through their lives, knowing that Allah is the original creator and only he can change the creation and their situation. To adopt the same values of the prophets means adopting the culture of patience and avoiding confrontation where possible.
There are many hadiths narrated by the Prophet Muhammad (Peace be Upon Him) in which he talks about the virtues of patience in Islam. Below are a few quotes put together through his own teachings, along with quotes from the Quran.
“Allah is truly with those who are patient” [Quran: 213]
“Patience is at the first stroke of the calamity.” [Tirmidhi]
“The greatest reward comes with the greatest trial. When Allah loves a people He tests them. Whoever accepts that wins His pleasure but whoever is discontent with that earns His wrath.” [Ibn Majah]
“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.” [Bukhari]
“And the future will be better for you than the past” [Quran 93:4]
“Only those who are steadfast in patience, only those who are blessed with great righteousness, will attain to such goodness” [Quran 41:35]
We can adopt the teachings of the Holy Quran into our way of life in many ways, guiding us now and into the hereafter. Knowing that there will always be setbacks in life, and displaying these with patience can ensure us to see difficult situations in a positive light.
Part of Sabr is the discovery of truth, which is why patience in Islam is not simply sitting away in the corner and allowing the world to pass you by. Life presents many challenges and, unfortunately, there remains those who face many more challenges than the average person. Those that suffer from poverty and war face the biggest challenges of all and the discovery of this truth, as well as taking action to help, purifies the soul. With our donation appeals, UK Islamic Mission works to ensure that the people most in need are supported in the most desperate of times.
“For those who do good in this world is good and the earth of Allah is vast. Only those who are patient will be paid back their reward without measure.” [Quran 39: 10]
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