Sabr In Islam: Importance & Rewards Every Muslim Needs To Know

Post by: Dur-e-Sabih

Almighty Allah tests Muslims through hardships and happiness. Every decision Allah makes for us, whether good or bad, serves our interests. No matter what Allah has chosen for us, we cannot change it; in the same way, we cannot attain anything Allah has not chosen. However, the great rewards go only to those who patiently follow Allah's decree.
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A Muslim must be patient during tough times because Islam teaches that Allah never abandons true believers. During challenging times, Allah assures the true believers that He is when them and showers his blessings upon them, as mentioned in Quran:

​“Be steadfastSurely, Allah is with those who remain steadfast.” (Quran, 8:46)

Having patience is one of the most desirable and praiseworthy characteristics. By being patient, we can face any hardship, challenge, or adversity and have peace of mind by knowing challenges are short-term and will go away.
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Patience gives us the strength to resist weakness and steadfastness to obey Allah. In the face of hardships and temptations, it is a powerful tool of firmness. Further, a Muslim's weapons will allow him to be successful in this world and Hereafter.

​What is Sabr

Patience/Sabr means not being angry, impatient, or dissatisfied, not complaining, and not harming oneself or others. As a Muslim, patience does not imply a passive disposition. The Quran does not prohibit remaining silent but discourages confrontation or quarrels.

We all have the freedom to live as we see fit and think as we like. There will, of course, be times when our thoughts and expressions do not align with others. In such situations, we must be patient and proceed without intending to fight.

There will also be sometimes when we face challenges that wear down our patience. This is where Allah tests the believers and how they overcome such hardships. If a true Muslim perseveres in such situations, Allah rewards such behavior.

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Types of Sabr in Islam

Being a Muslim, you must be patient in the following three scenarios.
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• The act of worshiping Allah and obeying his commands.
• Refraining from committing sins and evil acts and control over your impulsive thoughts.
• The ability to be patient during trials and tribulations and remember, with every hardship, there is ease.

​Rewards of Patience (Sabr)

Being patient and a standing firm is easier for a person who loves Allah. His reasoning is based on the premise that everything comes from Allah, and if something comes from Allah, it must have a purpose. A person with patience can pursue worthy goals in the future.

We commonly experience difficult times through many life stages, and we often question why such calamity has come over us. Nevertheless, once we experience relief and ease after the trial, we realize those difficult times are necessary for the good times to come.
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Therefore, believers must be patient and understand that Allah is sufficient for them and can best oversee all their affairs. He will guide us in this life and the hereafter to that which will benefit us.
We will be awarded for our patience if not in this world, then surely in the Hereafter. Prophet Muhammad (SAW) said:

“Whoever persists in being patient, Allah will make him patient. Nobody can be given a blessing better and greater than patience.” (Al-Bukhari)

​Benefits of Patience in the Quran

The Quran places great emphasis on the importance of patience and its reward. There are some rewards given in this lifetime and some in the Hereafter.

Following are the rewards and benefits Allah has described in Quran for us:

1. As Allah conditions leadership with patience, those who possess patience are the most qualified to lead. He says:“And We made from among them leaders guiding by Our command when they were patient and [when] they were certain of Our signs.” (As-Sajdah 32:24).
2. Those who persevere and are believers will earn Allah's reward. Allah says: “But those who had been given (religious) knowledge said: “Woe to you! The reward of Allah (in the Hereafter) is better for those who believe and do righteous good deeds, and this none shall attain except those who are As-Sabirun (the patient in following the truth).” [al-Qasas 28:80]
3. Those who are patient will also receive plentiful rewards for their patience. Allah says: “Only those who are patient shall receive their rewards in full, without reckoning.” (Az-Zumar 39:10).
4. Allah, the Exalted, loves the patient ones among his people. He says: “And Allah loves As-Sabirin (the patient ones, etc.).” (Al-Imran 3:146).
5. Whoever endures patiently has Allah's blessings. He says: “And be patient. Surely, Allah is with those who are As-Sabirin (the patient ones, etc.).” (Al-Anfal 8:46).
6. Those who persevere patiently will succeed in this world and the Hereafter. Allah says: “O you who believe! Endure and be more patient (than your enemy), and guard your territory by stationing army units permanently at the places from where the enemy can attack you, and fear Allah, so that you may be successful.” (Al-Imran 3:200).
7. People who remain patient in the face of calamities and trials are blessed with three major and great blessings. These individuals will receive the blessings of Allah and His Mercy and be guided in the right direction. He says: “They are those on whom are the Salawat (i.e., who are blessed and will be forgiven) from their Lord, and receive His Mercy, and it is they who are the guided-ones.” (Al-Baqarah 2:157).
8. Those who are pious and persevere patiently will not be harmed or overcome by the plots of their adversaries. Almighty Allah says: “But if you remain patient and become Al-Muttaqun (the pious – see V.2:2), not the least harm will their cunning do to you. Surely, Allah surrounds all that they do.” (Al-Imran 3:120).

​Conclusion

We need to learn and develop patience in our personality by understanding the benefits and meaning of patience. Being patient under adverse circumstances and always being thankful to Allah is the best practice we can do.

​Our experience in life teaches us that whatever happens to us is dictated by Allah, and we cannot alter that, so we need to be patient and content in our lives.

Author

Dur-e-Sabih provides ghostwriting and copywriting services. Her educational background in  Accountancy helps her in tackling topics ranging from career and business productivity to web development, finance, and digital marketing.