Many say that patience is a virtue, and indeed it is. As a virtue, it embodies high moral standards derived from integrity, honor, and purity, and for us Muslims, these teachings come from the Quran. There are numerous verses and chapters in the Quran where patience (Sabr) is mentioned as a virtue that all Muslims should possess.
How important is patience in the life of a Muslim? This article attempts to answer that question.
In search of patience: the virtues of the Saber
Throughout our lives in this world, Allah will test us with many trials. From the day we are born until the day we die, we face numerous tribulations that make life difficult. At a young age, we may struggle in school, lose a grandparent, or our parents may divorce. As we mature, we face financial difficulties, sometimes marital problems, or challenges in our careers. Our faith itself may even waver during these difficult times. But Allah Himself promises that all the hardships we face with patience will not go unrewarded.
In search of Sabr in the Quran
As Allah says in the Quran: [1]
And be patient. For Allah does not let the reward of righteous people be lost.
And further: [2]
Alongside difficulty, there is, of course, an ease! Alongside difficulty, there is, of course, an ease!
Sometimes maintaining Sabr is difficult, but we must always be mindful of Allah and the rewards that await us if we remain patient through the tests and trials that Allah gives us.
Learn Sabr of the Prophets
The prophets (peace be upon them all) were also judged by Allah during their lives on earth. Adam (peace be upon him) was tempted by Satan to eat the fruit of the forbidden tree, and after that, he and Eve (may Allah be pleased with them) were expelled from Paradise to live here on earth.
The people of Noah (peace be upon him) were idolaters with whom he tried to reason relentlessly. Finally, according to Allah’s commands, he had to build the ark and watch his wife and sons drown in the terrible flood. The people of Abraham (peace be upon him) tried to burn him when he explained to them that the planets and stars could neither benefit nor harm anyone, and that they did not deserve to be worshipped. Joseph’s (peace be upon him) own brothers plotted to kill him; he was even sold in the Egyptian slave market! And of course, Yunus (peace be upon him) was even swallowed by a fish, washed ashore at sea!
Furthermore, our Prophet Muhammad (peace and blessings be upon him) also faced numerous trials – he was forced to leave his city of Mecca, his companions and friends were often tortured, he received countless death threats, people mistreated him, and so on. Yet, the Prophet Muhammad (peace and blessings be upon him) faced all these problems with patience and never gave up.
Throughout all these trials, the prophets (not all of whom are listed) remained patient. In fact, they gained patience because of these trials, because their faith was undeniably strong, and they knew that Allah was with them.
The virtues of patience (Sabr)
As we can see, patience (Sabr) must be an integral part of our lives. Even when times become difficult, we must be patient and accept the tests that Allah gives us. Everyone is tested in one way or another, and we must always be mindful of Allah, and of the fact that Allah is always with those who are patient, and this can be seen in this Hadith: [3]
Mus’ab ibn Sa’d reported that his father, Sa’d bin Abu Waqas, asked: « O Messenger of Allah, which people are most severely tested? » He (peace and blessings be upon him) said: « The prophets, then the next best one, and the next best one. A person is tested according to their religious commitment. If they are firm in their religious commitment, they will be tested more severely, and if they are weak in their religious commitment, their test will be in accordance with their commitment. Trials will continue to afflict a person until they leave the earth without sin. »
Our Lord! Pour out upon us patience and steadfastness, and let us die like those who surrendered themselves to you!
References
The Quran 11:115 (Surah Hud)
The Quran 94:5-6 (Surah al-Inshirah)
Sunan Ibn Majah, Book 36 Hadith 98