Morality & Ethics (Akhlaq)

Patience (Sabr) and Perseverance

Patience (Sabr) and Perseverance

Introduction

Patience (Sabr) is a fundamental virtue in Islam, emphasizing active endurance through life's inevitable challenges. Sabr, meaning patience, involves courageously facing trials with unwavering faith and steadfast self-control, rather than passive acceptance. Renowned Islamic scholar and fourth Caliph Ali ibn Abi Talib profoundly stated, “Patience to faith is like the head to the body. Without patience, faith cannot survive,” illustrating the critical link between patience and genuine belief. Indeed, scholars frequently describe patience as half of faith, placing it alongside gratitude as essential for spiritual growth.

Life is inherently filled with purposeful tests and hardships, intentionally designed by Allah to strengthen the believer's faith and character. Muslims understand that hardships—whether family loss, health crises, or financial challenges—are deliberate trials from Allah to cultivate resilience and spiritual maturity. Accepting life's imperfections and recognizing that this world will never achieve utopia is crucial. This acceptance allows believers to better navigate life's trials with a balanced perspective, rooted deeply in faith and trust in Allah's wisdom.

In times of calamity, Muslims are guided to increase their faith actively and rely more deeply on Allah. The Quran and Sunnah (teachings of Prophet Muhammad ﷺ) consistently highlight patience as foundational for achieving spiritual success, with numerous verses and examples reinforcing its importance. The Prophet Muhammad (ﷺ) himself exemplified profound patience through extreme hardships, providing believers with an enduring model to follow. By incorporating daily practices, continual remembrance of Allah, and reflection upon examples of steadfast believers, Muslims can practically develop patience, enabling them to courageously and faithfully face whatever life presents.

Meaning and Linguistic Analysis of Sabr

In Arabic, the word Sabr (صبر) literally means to restrain, contain, or hold oneself back. It conveys the idea of binding or tying something firmly – in this case, tying down one’s emotions or impulses in order to stay steady. Linguistically, this root meaning teaches us that patience in Islam is about self-control. When we have Sabr, we “hold ourselves together” and don’t let panic, anger, or despair make us lose our morals or trust in Allah (God).

Sabr is a very broad term. It doesn’t just mean waiting quietly; it includes perseverance (keeping up effort over time), endurance (bearing difficulties strongly), forbearance (staying calm and not complaining), and restraint (not giving in to negative impulses). A patient person in Islam actively controls themselves: they persist in doing good, resist the temptation to do wrong, and accept what destiny brings without bitterness.

The Qur’an uses the word Sabr and its derivatives many times – over 100 times in total – which shows how frequently Allah reminds believers to be patient. For example, one of Allah’s beautiful attributes is Aṣ-Ṣabūr, meaning “The Most Patient” or “All-Enduring.” Muslims are encouraged to emulate this quality on a human level.

Islamic scholars explain that Sabr has different aspects. Imam Ibn al-Qayyim (a 14th-century scholar) wrote that patience is of three types: “practicing patience to obey Allah, patience to refrain from sins, and patience with the decrees (hardships) of Allah without complaint.” In other words, we must be patient in doing good, patient in avoiding wrongdoing, and patient in enduring difficulties. This comprehensive understanding shows that Sabr touches every part of life – from our personal self-discipline to our reactions when life gets hard.

To sum up, Sabr in Islam means to stay focused on doing right, to stay in control of oneself, and to trust Allah during both ease and difficulty. It’s an inner strength that helps a believer navigate life’s ups and downs with grace and faith. Patience is not a weak surrender; it’s a powerful form of steadfastness. The Prophet ﷺ said, “Patience is illumination,” meaning it shines a light for the believer in dark times. Now, let’s see how the Qur’an itself talks about this important virtue.

Quranic Verses on Patience and Perseverance

The Qur’an is filled with encouragement for believers to be patient. Below are some key Quranic verses (among many) about Sabr, showing how Allah praises and commands patience. Each verse is given in English with its chapter and verse number:

“O you who believe, seek help through patience and prayer. Indeed, Allah is with the patient.”
(Quran 2:153)

“We will certainly test you with a touch of fear and famine and loss of property, life, and crops. Give good news to those who patiently endure— those who, when struck by a disaster, say, ‘Surely to Allah we belong and to Him we will ˹all˺ return.’”
(Quran 2:155-156)

“…and Allah loves the patient.”
(Quran 3:146)

“O believers! Patiently endure, persevere, stand on guard, and be mindful of Allah, so you may be successful.”
(Quran 3:200)

“Only those who endure patiently will be given their reward without limit.”
(Quran 39:10)

“By the ˹passage of˺ time! Surely humanity is in loss, except those who have faith, do righteous deeds, and urge each other to truth and urge each other to patience.”
(Quran 103:1-3)

In these verses, Allah promises that He is with the patient (meaning His support and guidance are with them), that He loves those who are patient, and that those who endure will have an immense reward – “without limit” – in the Hereafter. We also see that life will include tests of fear, hunger, loss and other hardships (2:155), but that patience is the key to passing these tests. The last verse (Surah Al-‘Asr, 103) even lists “enjoining each other to patience” as one of the qualities required not to be in loss. This shows that patience is a collective virtue too – believers help each other remain steadfast.

All these Quranic teachings make it clear that patience (Sabr) is not optional for a believer; it is an essential part of faith and a path to success. A Muslim understands that trials will come, but responds with calm perseverance, trusting that Allah knows best. As the Qur’an says, “Indeed, Allah is with the patient.”

Sahih Hadith on Patience and Perseverance

The sayings of Prophet Muhammad ﷺ (hadith) also strongly emphasize Sabr. Here are several authentic (ṣaḥīḥ) hadiths about patience, in the Prophet’s own words:

“Whoever remains patient, Allah will make him patient. Nobody can be given a blessing better and more comprehensive than patience.”
(Sahih al-Bukhari)

“Patience is illumination.”
(Sahih Muslim)

“Amazing is the affair of the believer, for there is good for him in every matter. If he has an occasion to feel happy, he thanks Allah and that is good for him; and if he faces hardship, he shows patience and that is good for him.”
(Sahih Muslim)

“The real patience is at the first stroke of a calamity.”
(Sahih al-Bukhari) (Sahih al-Bukhari 1302)

Allah said, “If I deprive My slave of his two beloved things (his eyes) and he remains patient, I will let him enter Paradise in compensation for them.”
(Sahih al-Bukhari, Hadith Qudsi) (Sahih al-Bukhari 5653)

“Know that victory comes with patience, relief with affliction, and hardship with ease.”
(Hadith – recorded by at-Tirmidhi)

Let’s briefly reflect on these hadiths. The Prophet ﷺ taught that patience is the greatest “gift” or blessing one can receive, because it encompasses so much good. Being patient lights the way (it’s “illumination”) for a believer in difficulties. He also explained that a believer’s situation is always good – if good fortune comes, the believer shows gratitude; if misfortune comes, the believer shows patience. In both cases, there is benefit and reward.

The hadith “Patience is at the first stroke of a calamity” (Sahih al-Bukhari 1302 ) teaches us that the true test of patience is right when a problem hits. Anyone can eventually calm down after a long time, but the Prophet ﷺ encouraged us to compose ourselves and trust Allah immediately when something bad happens. That initial response is the most telling of our faith.

Another remarkable hadith (a Hadith Qudsi, where the Prophet narrates Allah’s words) says that if someone loses their eyesight and bears it patiently, Allah promises Paradise as a reward (Sahih al-Bukhari 5653). This shows how enormous the reward for Sabr can be in the hereafter – an eternal reward for a hardship borne in this temporary life.

Finally, the advice “Victory comes with patience, relief with affliction, and hardship with ease” is a powerful reminder. This phrase, reported in Tirmidhi, is often quoted to summarize the Islamic outlook: If we remain patient in hardship, Allah’s help and victory will eventually arrive. Ease and relief will follow difficulties, just as dawn follows the darkest part of night. This mirrors the Qur’an’s promise “Indeed, with hardship comes ease” (94:6).

Together, these hadiths reinforce the Qur’anic message: Patience is a source of strength, hope, and ultimate success for a believer. It is something Allah helps us with (“Allah will make him patient” for whoever tries to be patient), and it brings divine help (victory) and reward (Paradise).

Patience in the Prophet’s Life and Early Islamic History (Historical Context)

To truly understand Sabr, we can look at the life of Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him) and how he and his companions demonstrated patience. The Prophet’s entire mission required immense perseverance. For the first 13 years of Islam, in Makkah, Muslims were a small persecuted minority. They were mocked, beaten, and even tortured or killed by opponents of the new faith. During this Makkan period, Allah did not yet give permission to fight back, so the only option was to endure with patience.

The Prophet Muhammad ﷺ himself showed the highest example of patience. He was insulted and harassed by his own tribe. Trash was thrown on him while he prayed, thorns were put in his path, and people called him names. Yet he did not respond with anger or hatred – he remained calm and kept inviting them to the truth with wisdom. He used to pray for the very people who harmed him, hoping Allah would guide them. This was Sabr in action: staying committed to his mission without developing bitterness.

One famous example is the time the Prophet ﷺ traveled to the city of Ṭā’if to invite its people to Islam. The leaders of Ta’if rejected him and incited a mob to stone him out of the town. The Prophet was wounded and bleeding. It was one of the most painful days of his life. Yet when the angel Gabriel came to him afterward, offering to crush the town between the mountains if the Prophet wished, he refused to seek revenge. Instead, he patiently prayed that Allah might bring out from their descendants people who would worship One God. This level of forgiveness and patience, in the face of such cruelty, is truly astounding. (Indeed, many years later, the people of Ta’if did become Muslim, vindicating his patience.)

The early Companions of the Prophet also endured great trials with patience. For example, Sumayyah bint Khayyat was tortured and became the first martyr of Islam, remaining patient and firm in faith until her death. Bilal ibn Rabah, a slave who accepted Islam, was dragged in the desert heat with a boulder on his chest, yet he kept saying “Allah is One!” – persevering despite the pain. Khabbab ibn al-Aratt and many others were burned with iron or beaten, but they did not give up their belief. They complained to the Prophet ﷺ at times asking when relief would come, and he would encourage them to remain patient a bit longer, reminding them of the believers of the past who were tested even more severely but stayed steadfast. This emphasis on patience gave them strength to carry on.

Patience was also essential after the Muslims migrated to Madinah. They then faced external threats and battles. In the Battle of Badr, the first major battle, the Muslims were vastly outnumbered and ill-equipped. Yet, they stood firm, trusting in Allah’s help. The Qur’an tells us that because of their perseverance, Allah sent down angels to assist them in battle. This miraculous victory at Badr is a powerful example of “victory comes with patience.” Conversely, at the later Battle of Uḥud, some Muslims faltered in patience and discipline, leading to a setback. The Qur’an mentioned that had they remained patient and God-fearing, they would have had the angels’ support then as well. So the early Muslim community learned first-hand that perseverance was key to receiving Allah’s aid.

Throughout the Prophet’s life, there were many trials: the boycott in Makkah when Muslims were banished to a valley for 3 years with little food, the loss of his beloved wife Khadijah and his uncle Abu Talib in the same year (known as “the Year of Sorrow”), the betrayals by some groups in Madinah, and so on. In each case, the Prophet Muhammad ﷺ met hardship with dignity and patience. He would pray for long hours, seeking strength from Allah (remember the verse “seek help through patience and prayer” – he lived it). He never complained angrily about Allah’s will; rather, he would say “Alḥamdulillāh” (praise be to God) in all circumstances. This attitude trickled down to his companions.

The result of years of patience was that eventually, Islam was established and the Muslims were successful. Makkah was conquered almost bloodlessly after the Treaty of Ḥudaybiyyah and a period of sustained patience and perseverance. The Prophet entered Makkah humbly and forgave his former persecutors, saying “No blame upon you today. May Allah forgive you.” This forgiving attitude was a fruit of patience and trust in Allah’s plan. Many of those same people then embraced Islam wholeheartedly. It was patience, not vengeance, that won their hearts.

In summary, during the Prophet Muhammad’s time, patience was not just preached but actively practiced. It was patience that allowed the early Muslims to endure oppression without giving up, to migrate to a new land and start fresh, and to ultimately see the religion of Islam spread. Their faith teaches us that sometimes change does not come overnight; one has to persevere through setbacks and hurts. But if one stays patient for Allah’s sake, the end outcome is always positive. This historical lesson in perseverance continues to inspire Muslims today.

Why Islam’s View of Patience is Unique and Powerful (Theological/Philosophical Discussion)

Many cultures and philosophies value patience, but Islam’s concept of Sabr has a depth and a hope to it that sets it apart. In Islam, patience is not merely a practical life-skill or a stoic toleration of suffering – it is a form of worship and a deeply spiritual act that connects the believer with Allah. Let’s explore a few points that highlight why the Islamic view of patience is superior or more profound compared to some other perspectives:

1. Patience with Purpose and Trust: In secular thinking, one might practice patience just as a personal virtue or because getting angry doesn’t help. While that’s good, it can feel empty if one believes there’s no meaning behind suffering. In Islam, patience is filled with purpose. A Muslim believes no hardship happens except by Allah’s will, and Allah is Most Wise and Most Merciful. Therefore, enduring a hardship patiently means you are trusting Allah’s plan and wisdom, even if you don’t understand it fully. This trust (tawakkul) gives deep comfort. You’re not just waiting for something random to end; you’re waiting for Allah’s decree to unfold, knowing He has your best interests at heart. This makes Islamic patience active and hopeful, rather than passive. The Qur’an tells us that trials are a test to bring out the best in us , and hadith assure us that suffering purifies sins (even a thorn prick can expiate sins if borne patiently). Thus, the believer thinks: “If I am patient, Allah will reward me and raise my status.” This hope for reward and meaning makes patience much easier and more uplifting.

By contrast, consider a purely materialistic viewpoint where suffering is seen as meaningless bad luck – being patient in that scenario has no spiritual dimension, it’s just “grin and bear it.” Some people might become bitter or depressed because they see no justice or compensation for their pain. Islam solves that by promising divine justice and reward for every ounce of suffering, so long as one remains patient. As the Qur’an says, “Only those who are patient shall receive their reward in full, without reckoning*.” Knowing this, a Muslim can endure the unimaginable, with Allah’s help.

2. Patience is Coupled with Action (Patience ≠ Passivity): Islam’s patience does not mean doing nothing and just enduring abuse or calamity fatalistically. Rather, it means controlling one’s emotions and reacting in the best possible way. For example, if someone wrongs you, patience in Islam doesn’t mean you cannot seek justice; it means you don’t react with blind rage or revenge beyond limits. You either forgive (which is encouraged as a higher form of patience) or seek proper justice through lawful means, but without aggression or oppression. If you are struggling with an illness, patience doesn’t mean you don’t visit a doctor – you absolutely should seek treatment (that’s part of trusting Allah while using the means He provided), but you remain patient in your attitude by not complaining about why it happened to you, not losing hope, and continuing to fulfill your duties to Allah as best as possible.

This balance of patience and effort is a unique feature of Islamic teaching. Some philosophies, like certain interpretations of Stoicism, emphasize accepting what you can’t control – which is similar to Islam – but Stoicism sometimes encourages suppressing emotions to the point of apathy. Islam does not ask us to kill our emotions; the Prophet ﷺ himself cried when he lost loved ones, felt anger at injustice, and felt sadness – these are natural. Islam teaches us to channel those emotions positively (e.g., pray when distressed, speak to Allah about your pain rather than wailing to people). Patience in Islam coexists with taking positive action and making dua. The Prophet ﷺ said, “Tie your camel and trust in Allah,” which in context means be proactive (tie the camel so it doesn’t wander) and then be patient trusting Allah to take care of what’s beyond your control.

3. Patience as Worship and Strength: In Islam, when you endure hardships patiently, you are actually performing an act of worship that brings you closer to Allah. It’s believed that in moments of hardship, if you turn to Allah with patience, Allah is very near to you. There’s a hadith that Allah says “When I test my servant and he remains patient, I have no reward except Paradise for him”. This makes patience a means of immense spiritual growth. Many converts to Islam mention that the concept of suffering having a divine purpose and reward was a game-changer for them – it gave them strength to handle life’s challenges. Islam doesn’t glorify suffering itself (we’re not asked to seek pain), but it shows how to transform suffering into something of value through patience. It becomes a chance to attain Allah’s love (as Quran 3:146 says “Allah loves the patient”) and to emulate the Prophets.

Other alternatives, say Buddhism, also teach enduring suffering (through detachment, viewing desire as the cause of suffering). But Buddhism frames it as a somewhat impersonal process – the goal is to not feel the suffering by eliminating desire. Islam’s view is more relational and compassionate: you do feel it, but you bear it for the sake of Allah, and you talk to Allah in prayer, seeking His help. The Prophet Job (Ayyub) is a great example – he suffered terribly but he kept praying to Allah, “Indeed distress has seized me, and You are the Most Merciful”. He didn’t curse God or give up; he vocalized his pain to God without complaining about God. This intimate reliance on Allah is part of Sabr. It brings comfort that someone out there (Allah) hears you and will respond at the right time.

4. Encouragement of Patience vs. Modern Instant Gratification: In today’s world, patience is often in short supply. Everything is about instant results, fast satisfaction, quick fixes. Many alternative worldviews promote “you only live once, grab what you can now.” Against this backdrop, Islam’s emphasis on patience is profoundly wise. It teaches delayed gratification – that a bit of hardship now, handled well, can lead to far greater happiness later (even if that “later” is in the afterlife). Psychologically, we know that people who master delayed gratification (like being patient in studies for a future career, or being patient in saving money for future needs) tend to be more successful and stable. Islam has been teaching this for 1400 years: that the short-term view is not the way; focus on the long-term (ultimate success with Allah).

Even when facing injustice, Islam guides us to be patient enough not to let hatred consume us. We are allowed to push back against injustice – Islam doesn’t say accept oppression – but it says do so within moral bounds and without losing your character. Other ideologies might incite anger to fight injustice (leading sometimes to new injustices), but Islam tempers it: yes, strive for justice, but with patience and wisdom, not blind rage. The result historically is that movements inspired by Islamic patience tend to avoid the excesses of, say, violent revolutions that only lead to more chaos. The Prophet ﷺ transformed society remarkably, yet always maintained patience and mercy.

5. Comprehensive Approach to Patience: Islam recognizes different domains of patience: patience with respect to God’s commands, patience with respect to people, and patience with respect to life’s circumstances. Other philosophies might focus only on one aspect. For example, some might be good at patience in personal hardship but not emphasize patience with people (tolerating others’ annoyances). Islam covers both: The Prophet ﷺ said, “The believer who mixes with people and endures their harm is better than one who isolates himself and doesn’t endure.” This encourages social patience – dealing with difficult personalities kindly. Also, Islam highly values family patience (e.g. between spouses, with children – not losing temper easily). All these are acts of Sabr and are rewarded.

In comparing with an alternative: let’s take modern self-help advice. It often tells people to stay calm and be patient because it will reduce stress or because eventually things might get better. This is fine, but Islam layers on top of that the concept of divine companionship and reward. A Muslim facing a calamity thinks: “If I am patient, Allah is with me , and He will reward me and give me something better in return.” This consciousness of Allah (“Iḥsān”) gives a believer inner peace that a secular technique might not fully achieve.

6. Patience and Prayer: Islam uniquely pairs patience with prayer (ṣalāh) in the Quranic injunction “seek help through patience and prayer”. This means patience is not done in isolation; you recharge your patience through spiritual practices. When times get tough, a Muslim is encouraged to pray extra, to make duʿā (supplication), to remember Allah (dhikr). These practices soothe the heart and grant the strength to be patient. It’s a holistic approach: physical, emotional, and spiritual. Other worldviews might promote meditation or mindfulness which is somewhat similar, but Islamic prayer is a direct line to Allah, which Muslims find extremely comforting. You’re not just focusing on breath; you’re speaking to the Lord of the Worlds who you believe cares about you. That spiritual support makes patience easier.

In summary, the Islamic view of patience is superior in that it is hopeful, purposeful, balanced, and deeply empowering. It transforms a person’s mindset from “Why me?” to “It is Allah’s decree, and He knows best, and I will be rewarded if I handle this well.” It doesn’t ask you to love the hardship, but to love the One who decreed it, trusting His wisdom. With that trust, the bitterness of trials is sweetened. There’s a saying: “Patience is bitter, but its fruit is sweet.” For a Muslim, the fruit is both in this world (inner peace, personal growth) and in the hereafter (immense reward). Other alternatives may teach patience as a virtue, but Islam elevates it to a core component of salvation and a means to attain God’s pleasure. This is why you see even ordinary Muslims around the world, when afflicted by difficulties, saying “Alhamdulillah” (praise be to God) and “Inna lillahi wa inna ilayhi raji’un” (“We belong to Allah and to Him we return”) – they have been nurtured by a faith that teaches them to transform trial into triumph of the spirit.

Practicing Patience in Daily Life (Practical Application)

Knowing about patience is one thing – living it day to day is another. It’s not always easy to be patient, but like a muscle, patience grows stronger with practice and conscious effort. Here are some practical tips and steps for Muslims (and anyone) to develop and exercise patience in daily life:

In summary, practical patience is about managing your reactions. It’s okay to feel upset or sad – patience isn’t not feeling, it’s about how you respond. As one saying goes, “Patience is not about how long you can wait, but how you behave while you’re waiting.” So work on keeping your behavior and words in check when times are tough. Develop routines (like dua, deep breaths, positive self-reminders) that kick in when you face stress. Over time, you’ll notice yourself becoming more tolerant, more serene, and less easily rattled.

And importantly, ask Allah for patience. It’s a gift from Him. The Qur’an tells us that believers prayed “Our Lord, pour upon us patience, and make our steps firm” (2:250). We should make similar dua: “Rabbi ʾinzil ʿalayya Sabr” (My Lord, send down patience upon me). With sincere asking, Allah will strengthen your heart. He can make what is hard easy for you.

Finally, recognize that becoming patient is a journey. You might slip up – maybe you lose your cool one day. Don’t despair. Tawbah (repentance) is there. Renew your intention and try again. Each day brings new opportunities to practice Sabr. If you keep at it, by Allah’s grace you will find yourself among the ṣābirīn (the patient ones), and that is a title truly worth striving for.

Conclusion

In Islam, patience (Sabr) isn’t just a minor virtue – it is a way of life that shapes one’s relationship with Allah and with the world. It is often said that “Patience is the key to contentment.” After exploring all of the above, we see why: patience, paired with faith, unlocks inner peace, moral strength, and divine blessings.

For Muslims, practicing patience is part of trusting Allah (tawakkul) and submitting to His will (islām). It reflects a deep conviction that Allah is in control, that He is Just and Merciful, and that our role is to do our best and endure gracefully whatever comes our way. This attitude turns what could be sources of stress into sources of reward. As one hadith summarized, “The matter of a believer is amazing – everything is good for them” because of patience and gratitude. Either life is pleasant, and we show gratitude, or life is hard, and we show patience – in both scenarios, the believer wins.

Patience shapes us by teaching self-discipline, empathy, and resilience. A patient person is less likely to be angry or bitter; they are more likely to be thoughtful and forgiving. When we look at Prophet Muhammad ﷺ, we see that much of his gentleness and wisdom was manifested through patience. He forgave his enemies, he never lashed out when personally insulted, and he persisted in his mission despite opposition. That required an unfathomable reservoir of sabr. By emulating even a fraction of that, we improve our character (akhlāq). People are naturally drawn to those who are calm in chaos – it’s a leadership quality. It’s also crucial for relationships: marriages, friendships, community ties all last when people are patient with each other’s faults and flaws.

For the individual Muslim, whenever faced with a trial – big or small – the mindset of patience allows them to navigate it without losing hope or resorting to haram solutions. For example, a person struggling financially might be tempted to earn through dishonest means out of impatience, but if they have Sabr, they hold on to halal options and trust Allah for provision, and often find a blessed way out. Patience thus guards one’s faith and principles under pressure.

Moving forward, how should we cultivate this quality? We should take the knowledge we’ve gained – the verses, the hadith, the examples – and consciously apply them. Next time you feel impatience creeping in, recall something from this discussion: maybe the Prophet’s example at Ta’if, or the promise that Allah loves the patient. Say to yourself, “This is my chance to be among those Allah loves. I will restrain myself and react in the best manner.” It might be hard in the moment, but that’s the test of being at the first strike of calamity patient (Sahih al-Bukhari 1302). With practice, it gets easier and becomes second nature.

In our modern context, showing patience can also be a form of dawah (inviting others to Islam). When non-Muslims see a Muslim remaining composed and positive in a difficult situation, or not retaliating evil with evil, they often become curious about what gives them that strength. It reflects the beauty of Islamic teachings without a word. In a world rife with anxiety and short-tempered reactions, a Muslim’s patience shines as a beacon of the tranquility that faith brings.

To conclude, let’s remember the prayer taught by the Prophet ﷺ and the Quran: “Our Lord, pour upon us patience, make our steps firm, and grant us victory over the disbelieving people.” (2:250). Also, the words “Inna lillahi wa inna ilayhi rāji‘ūn” (We belong to Allah and to Him we return) are not just for times of death, but for any loss or setback – they remind us that ultimately everything returns to Allah’s plan. Such remembrance itself instills patience.

Life will always have ups and downs. We cannot control all that happens, but we can control our reaction – and that is what patience is all about. By anchoring ourselves in faith, looking at the Prophet’s life as our model, and practicing patience in small and big matters, we prepare ourselves for whatever may come. And we carry the firm hope that no effort of ours is lost: “Surely Allah does not allow the reward of the righteous to be lost.” (Qur’an 9:120). The seeds of patience we sow now will bloom into success and reward, sooner or later. As the saying goes, sabrun jamīl – “beautiful patience” – leads to beautiful outcomes, both in this world and the next.

May Allah grant us all the strength of Sabr, and may He make us among aṣ-ṣābirīn, those who are patient and steadfast. Āmīn.

Recommended Books on Patience (Sabr)

For those who wish to study more about patience and perseverance from an Islamic perspective, here are some well-known books and resources that delve into this topic: