The Concept of Sabr in Islam:
Understanding the true meaning of Sabr in Islam
Sabr is not a strange word for Muslims. It is a word that one hears many times in one’s life. But the unfortunate fact is that most of us don’t know the true meaning of Sabr in Islam. To practice Sabr as well as understand what is required from Muslims in this regard, it is crucial to deeply ponder on the actual meaning of Sabr in Islam.
The root of Sabr in Islamic teachings
Allah has created humans and put them on Earth in order to test them. The most important goal for a Muslim in this current time is to pass the test given to us by Allah. We need to pass it and protect ourselves. We are even reminded again and again by Allah. Allah tells us to face difficulties by bearing Sabr, showing patience, practicing restraint, and so on. Allah says in the Quran;
“And resort to patience and prayer for help.” (2:45)
The different dimensions of Sabr in Islam
The most common understanding of Sabr is patience. In reality, patience is just a tiny fragment of the whole body which is regarded as Sabr. Sabr in Islam has a very vast extent. It includes not only patience but also forbearance, endurance, steadfastness, perseverance, and restraint. All these when included make Sabr. Sabr also necessarily has a significant amount of hope in it.
Sabr in the Quran:
In the Holy Quran, Allah has mentioned Sabr more than 90 times. We are guided to bear patience so we can have Allah’s help on our side. Allah says in surah Al-Anfal;
“Indeed, Allah is with the patient.”
Not only does Allah love those who are patient, but also they are blessed with the greatest and foremost endings to their suffering. The soul-calming words of Allah in different parts of the Quran are;
“And Allah loves the patient.” (3:146)
“Be patient; indeed, the (best) outcome is for the righteous.” (11:49)
“So be patient. Indeed, the promise of Allah is truth.” (30:60)
About hardships, Allah has said in surah Al-Baqarah Ayat 155;
“And We will surely test you with something of fear and hunger and a loss of wealth and lives and fruits but give good tidings to the patient.”
Examining examples of Sabr in the lives of Prophets:
Hazrat Ayyub’s life
Hazrat Ayyub’s life story is an important one in regard to sabr. He had literally everything. He was a multi-millionaire, physically strong, respected in society and many children. Then he was tested by Allah by getting deprived of all the blessings. All his children died at once, his wealth as well as health was taken away and he was attacked by several diseases. Everyone cut him off. His wife had to cut and sell her hair for money to survive. Even in this time, Hazrat Ayyub was grateful to Allah and didn’t lose hope. He continued to make dua to Allah with faith and showed unbreakable Sabr for 18 years. After 18 years, Allah again blessed him with all those gifts even greater than before.
Sabr of Prophet Muhammad (PBUH)
The life of our Prophet Muhammad (PBUH) is filled with many examples of love, patience, forgiveness, and sabr. When he was born, his father was already dead. His mother died when he was 6. Then his grandfather who was taking care of him died when he was 8. After this, his first wife who was the first supporting person he had when Prophethood was revealed to him, also died. His sons died. He had to leave Makkah, his beloved hometown, and faced brutal rejections from tribes like Ta’if. No matter how many hardships of his life we count, we will always find his Sabr in them all.
Abu Huraira has narrated;
Prophet Muhammad (PBUH) said, “If Allah wants to do good to somebody, He afflicts him with trials.” (Sahih Bukhari)
It was narrated from Ibn ‘Umar that the Messenger of Allah (ﷺ) said:
“The believer who interacts with people and bears their annoyance with Sabr will have a greater reward than the one who does not mix with people and does not put up with their annoyance.”
Types of Sabr:
The scholars have divided Sabr in Islam into the following 3 primary types.
Practicing Sabr in obedience to Allah
A few examples of this are fasting no matter how hot it is outside. Performing Salah, no matter how cold the water is and how cold the weather is. No doubt, there are exceptions for people with poor health.
Sabr in order to not violate the boundaries set by Allah
Restraining yourself from haram actions and temptations of nafs. Forcefully blocking yourself from the whispers of shaitan.
Sabr in the face of trials and tests written in destiny
Not forgetting the blessings of Allah when a calamity appears. It is very important to stay steadfast in your hope and faith in Allah when times are not in your favor.
Sabr in Different Aspects of Life:
A. Sabr in relationships: It strengthens the bonds and resolves conflicts.
B. Sabr in seeking knowledge: Perseverance in learning and understanding is a very essential part of the road to knowledge.
C. Sabr in the face of adversity: Overcoming challenges and setbacks.
Hereafter rewards for Practicing Sabr in Islam:
Some people go through so many hardships in their life but still, they are satisfied with what they have and who they are. It’s a wonder to see how content they are. The strength to carry yourself with such a level of Sabr is derived from the understanding of what waits for them in hereafter.
Prophet Muhammad (PBUH) said, “If Allah wants good for His servants, then he hastens his hardships in this world so that there is no hardship left in the hereafter.”
Therefore, the hardship of this world eliminates the hardships of hereafter which is a far longer permanent time than this mortal world.
Prophet Muhammad (PBUH) said, “On the day of judgment when Ahlul balaa’ (people who have suffered major hardships) are being given their rewards from Allah, then this other group of people known as Ahlul ‘Afiyah (people that were generally spared) seeing Allah comfort these people and reward and elevate these people, Ahlul ‘Afiyah would wish to come to this life and their skins could be cut to pieces with scissors.”
Why would they wish so? Because they see the way Allah treats these people who have lived hard lives.
Another saying of Prophet Muhammad (PBUH) is;
“The believer who suffered most hardship and trouble in this life will be brought forth and Allah will say, “Dip him once in Jannah”. After this he will be asked, Have you ever seen any hardship? That person will reply, “I have never seen any hardship.” (Sunan Ibn Majah)
About the rewards of Sabr in the hereafter, in chapter 39 verse 10 of the Quran Allah says,
“Only those who endure patiently will be given their reward without limit.”
Hence, unlike good deeds, Sabr is rewarded without any measurements. And all this is from Allah’s mercy.
Conclusion:
Sabr is an integral part of a Muslim’s life which serves as a strengthening factor for Iman as well. Sabr not only promises the hereafter rewards, but it also leads to fewer conflicts in this life. It builds a strong character which by bearing harshness gradually becomes unbreakable. Some people do reach the point where it is impossible for others to break their patience and bring out their wrath. Having Sabr is like not letting the fire inside come out and burn your surroundings. Hence, burning our inner selves in this world saves us from burning in the fire of Jahannam.
