The Reward of Patience In Islam
The Reward of Patience In Islam
As Muslims, we are aware of the significance of embodying sabr in our daily lives. In addition to having this quality as part of one of Allah's 99 names (A-Sabr), Allah has commanded the believers to exhibit it. This is shown in the following verse from the Qur’an:
يَـٰٓأَيُّهَا ٱلَّذِينَ ءَامَنُوا۟ ٱسْتَعِينُوا۟ بِٱلصَّبْرِ وَٱلصَّلَوٰةِ ۚ إِنَّ ٱللَّهَ مَعَ ٱلصَّـٰبِرِينَ ١٥٣
O believers! Seek comfort in patience and prayer. Allah is truly with those who are patient.
The word "patience" is viewed as a reactive word with a negative connotation in the English language, denoting that you are patient after a trial or test. Some even assert that exercising patience entails taking a back seat while praying for a miracle to resolve the issue. But this is not genuine Islamic patience. True sabr is an active and virtuous quality, similar to tawwakul.
The literal meaning of the term (depending on how it is used) is perseverance or steadfastness. The linguistic definition of sabr is to constrain or stop. In this context, one definition offered by academics for sabr is the resolve to remain unwavering in the face of challenges.
1. PATIENCE IN OBEYING ALLAH (SWT) (SABR ‘ALA AL-TA’A )
This definition of sabr refers to doing as Allah commands, even when it is difficult or inconvenient. For instance, Allah orders us to control our anger in Surah Al-Imran verse 134. Humans naturally experience anger, and we will all encounter situations where we feel inclined to let our emotions get the better of us. Although none of us will be flawless, the efforts we make to control our anger when we feel the want to lose control are an act of sabr.
2. PATIENCE IN ABSTAINING FROM THE FORBIDDEN (SABR ‘AN AL-MA’SIYYAH )
Numerous practices that are widely accepted in our contemporary culture contradict the laws of Allah and the teachings of the Prophet Muhammad (PBUH). For instance, it is common practice in contemporary culture to use profanity, although the Prophet Muhammad (PBUH) often cautions us in genuine hadiths about the seriousness of this transgression. Even Allah forbids us from using vulgar language in Surah Hujurat's eleventh verse.
In this case, sabr means putting Allah's laws and the guidance of the Prophet Muhammad (PBUH) before what society or the outside world says us is acceptable. In other words, sabr here denotes that we put up the effort to remain firm in these endeavors and that we follow Allah's decrees over societal laws or established customs.
3. PATIENCE IN THE FACE OF ADVERSITY (SABR ‘ALA AL-IBTILA ).
Every one of us will have periods when we are challenged. Different types of adversity may exist. It could be a difficulty with money, health, family, or personal. In this context, sabr refers to maintaining our faith in the face of difficulty and persevering in our efforts to go through the challenge.
The Prophet Muhammad (PBUH), who spent the first thirteen years of his mission teaching Islam in Mecca, is the best example of this type of sabr. He endured all manner of trials, hardships, and abuse for thirteen years. But despite everything, he maintained consistency in his efforts, prayers, aspirations, and good outlook toward Allah. Because Prophet Muhammad (PBUH) was the pinnacle of mankind, none of us can possibly attain his level of faith. However, his use of sabr should serve as an example for us on how to incorporate sabr into our everyday life.
4.REWARD FOR SABR
There are dozens of rewards mentioned for those who display sabr in their lives. For the sake of keeping things brief, let’s mention one reward the Qur’an tells us:
وَٱللَّهُ يُحِبُّ ٱلصَّـٰبِرِينَ ١٤٦
“Allah loves those who have sabr.” (Qur’an, 3:146)
Unlike many other rewards Allah promises, Allah’s love is not quantified by a number. However, in one famous Hadith Al-Qudsi, Prophet Muhammad (PBUH) explained the blessings we receive when Allah loves us:
Prophet Muhammad (PBUH) said: Allah (SWT) said: “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).