What Is The Significance Of Sabr In Islam?
Islamic Concept of Patience
Main
Points:
1. The Islamic
concept of patience asserts that the cravings of the soul should not be
permitted to triumph over the intellect and that the Islamic limitations should
not be surpassed.
2. The Holy
Quran states that patience leads to closer relationship with Allah Azzawajal,
growth in religious spiritual values, the highest and uncountable reward.
3. The Prophet
peace be upon him not only practised patience personally, but he also
instructed his adherents to practise patience in the face of adversity.
4. Alas! We
have moved away from patience. Perhaps this is why so many individuals suffer
from deadly ailments like mental stress, depression, diabetes, and high blood
pressure.
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By Kaniz Fatma, New Age Islam
3 March 2022
Sabr is an
Arabic word that means to work with patience and to restrain oneself from
something. The Islamic concept of patience asserts that the cravings of the
soul should not be permitted to triumph over the intellect and that the Islamic
limitations should not be surpassed. Patience necessitates a strong will and
commitment. The ability to do nothing in a situation of helplessness,
compulsion, and enduring any sorrow and suffering by weeping is not patience,
yet the thread of patience remains with the strength of steadfastness. The only
way to keep this level of excellence is to be patient. A Muslim's entire
existence should be marked by patience and thankfulness. Everything in the
Islamic religion is based on patience and perseverance.
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Also
Read: Patience – A Divine Virtue Embedded in Islam As Well As
All Other Religions of the World
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The
circumstances of a person do not necessarily remain the same throughout his
life. Some days start out well, while others start out badly; some days are
full of joy and pleasure, while others are filled with pain and concern. At
times, it is the individual who is affected by these tragedies, while at other
times; it is his business and family. In short, sorrows and anxieties are an
essential part of life. Islam encourages a man to be patient in times of
misfortune and grateful to Allah in times of joy for this reason.
According
to a Hadith, a believer’s affairs are strange because it is good in every one
of them. It's excellent for him to have a nice time and thank Allah (Azzawajal)
for it, and it's also healthy for him to get into trouble and quietly endure
it. (Sahih Muslim, Hadith 7500)
The most
beautiful patience is when no one can distinguish the person when he is
distressed. (Ihya-ul-‘Uloom, vol. 4, pp. 91)
Patience is
an excellent attribute to possess. In the Holy Quran, Allah (Azzawajal)
mentions patience more than seventy times, and it is credited with several
levels and virtues. (Ihya-ul-'Uloom, Vol. 4, p. 75,) Furthermore, Allah
(Azzawajal) has stated that he will be with those who maintain patience, as He
said,
“…and be
patient; indeed Allah is with those who are patient.” (Surah Anfaal, Verse 46)
Furthermore,
the Holy Quran states that patience leads to a closer relationship with Allah
Azzawajal, growth in religious spiritual values, the highest and uncountable
reward, and Allah Azzawajal's support and blessings.
If the
person who has been tormented patiently bears it, Allah (Azzawajal) will
increase his respect. (Tirmizi, vol. 4, pp. 145, Hadith 2332)
'Allah
Azzawajal says, 'I provide Paradise as a reward to My believer who remains
patient if I take from him the object of this world, dearest to him,' according
to the Prophet, peace be upon him. (Bukhari, vol. 4, pp. 225, Hadith 6424)
Alas! We
have moved away from patience. Perhaps this is why so many individuals suffer
from deadly ailments like mental stress, depression, diabetes, and high blood
pressure. Remember that when people become impatient, even the so-called wise
ones lose their common sense. People nowadays are on the verge of annihilation
as a result of their impatience with worldly and religious matters. They've
made brawls commonplace. People hold resentment and animosity toward one
another. They always have their sleeves rolled up and are ready to fight.
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Also
Read: Patience, Tolerance And Restraint Are The Qualities
Of A True Believer
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Throughout
his life, the Holy Prophet (peace be upon him) has demonstrated patience and
forbearance. He was in pain and distress because of the Arabian polytheists and
infidels. They threw stones at him, planted thorns in his path, smeared filth
on his blessed body, bullied, threatened, used vile language against him,
plotted to kill him, but the Prophet, who was sent as a Mercy to the entire
world, never responded. He not only practised patience personally, but he also
instructed his adherents to practise patience in the face of adversity till the
end of the world.
There is a
saying of the Holy Prophet (peace be upon him) that comforts, 'If someone is
suffering from misery, he should contemplate my sorrows in relation to his
sufferings. That is without a doubt, the greatest of all tragedies.'
(Al-Jami’-ul-Kabeer Lis-Suyuti, vol. 7, pp. 125, Hadith 21346)
Whether
life is personal or collective, domestic or societal, it is incomplete without
patience. We must now constantly monitor our patience. Even when faced with
difficulties, fears, unjustified opposition, and grief, the best response is
patience. May Allah (Azzawajal) bestow the gift of patience to us!
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Kaniz
Fatma is a classic Islamic scholar and a regular columnist for New Age Islam.
URL: https://www.newageislam.com/islam-spiritualism/sabr-islam-quran-allah-azzawajal/d/126497
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