The word “Sabr” (Patience) is an Arabic term, but it is also widely used in the Urdu language. The meanings of Sabr include to restrain, to hold back, to endure, to forgive, and to remain steadfast. In its technical sense, according to the Quran and Sunnah, Sabr means restraining oneself from unlawful desires. Therefore, the concept of patience also includes staying away from all sins and actions that are against Islamic teachings.
(Ma’arif al-Quran, 4/598)
It is not necessary that everything one person says will be liked by another. In such situations, differences of opinion are natural. Sometimes these differences turn into hostility, opposition, enmity, and stubbornness, leading to arguments, disputes, and fights. Such a condition is disliked and blameworthy.
When such a situation arises, a person should control their emotions. By acting upon Islamic teachings, they should remain silent and show patience, tolerance, and forbearance. Patience and tolerance are praiseworthy qualities. The Quran and Hadith mention them in many places as noble characteristics.
Allah تعالیٰ has repeatedly mentioned patience in the Holy Quran. He has also praised many of His Prophets and Messengers عليهم السلام for their patience.
Allah تعالیٰ says:
وَإِسْمَاعِيْلَ وَإِدْرِيْسَ وَذَا الْکِفْلِ کُلٌّ مِنَ الصَّابِرِيْنَ
Translation: “And (remember) Isma’il, Idris, and Dhul-Kifl. All of them were among those who were patient.”
(Surah Al-Anbiya: 85)
Regarding the reward for patience, Allah تعالیٰ says:
إِنَّمَا يُوَفَّی الصَّابِرُوْنَ أَجْرَهُمْ بِغَيْرِ حِسَابٍ
Translation: “Indeed, those who are patient will be given their reward without measure.”
(Surah Az-Zumar: 10)
Because of these and many other Quranic verses, every Muslim understands the importance, greatness, and both the worldly and everlasting benefits of patience. When a Muslim adopts this Prophetic quality of patience, Allah تعالیٰ blesses them with a reward beyond measure.
The Command to Show Patience During Hardships
Allah تعالیٰ commands the Noble Prophet صلی اللہ علیہ وسلم to remain patient during hardships, saying:
وَاتَّبِعْ مَا يُوْحٰی إِلَيْکَ وَاصْبِرْ حَتّٰی يَحْکُمَ اللہُ وَہُوَ خَيْرُ الْحَاکِمِيْنَ
Translation: “Follow what has been revealed to you through revelation, and remain patient until Allah gives His judgment. He is the Best of all judges.”
(Surah Yunus: 109)
Patience Is the Remedy for the Love of Status
The scholars among the People of the Book had become deeply attached to status, position, wealth, and worldly possessions. Even after the truth became clear to them, they did not believe in the Noble Prophet صلی اللہ علیہ وسلم.
Allah تعالیٰ has explained in the Holy Quran the remedy for the love of status and wealth. He teaches that patience removes the love of wealth from the heart, while prayer removes the love of status and position.
Allah تعالیٰ says:
وَاسْتَعِيْنُوْا بِالصَّبْرِ وَالصَّلَاۃِ
Translation: “Seek help through patience and prayer.”
(Surah Al-Baqarah: 45)
Tafsir Usmani states:
“The main reason why the scholars among the People of the Book did not believe in the Prophet صلی اللہ علیہ وسلم, even after the truth had become clear, was their love of status and wealth. Allah تعالیٰ explained the remedy for both. Patience removes the desire and love for wealth, while prayer develops servitude and humility, thereby reducing the love of status.”
(Tafsir Usmani)
A Special Mention of Those Who Are Patient
Allah تعالیٰ has mentioned many righteous people, such as those who spend their wealth for the sake of Allah on relatives, orphans, and the needy, those who help travelers and those who ask for assistance, those who free slaves, and those who fulfill their promises. After mentioning all these righteous people, Allah تعالیٰ especially praises those who are patient.
Allah تعالیٰ says:
وَالصَّابِرِيْنَ فِيْ الْبَأْسَاءِ وَالضَّرَّاءِ وَحِيْنَ الْبَأْسِ أُولٰئِکَ الَّذِيْنَ صَدَقُوْا وَأُولٰئِکَ هُمُ الْمُتَّقُوْنَ
Translation: “And those who remain patient in hardship, suffering, and during times of battle such people are the truthful ones, and they are the people of Taqwa.”
(Surah Al-Baqarah: 177)
While explaining this verse, Mufti Muhammad Shafi رحمہ اللہ writes:
“Among all these righteous people, those who are patient are especially worthy of praise because patience is the quality and strength through which all of the mentioned good deeds can be carried out.”
(Ma’arif al-Quran, 1/433)
The Advice to Be Patient
Allah تعالیٰ blessed Hazrat Luqman رحمہ اللہ with wisdom, understanding, and insight. He granted him the ability to distinguish between right and wrong. Hazrat Luqman رحمہ اللہ gave several pieces of advice to his son. He advised him to be grateful to the True Benefactor, avoid Shirk, and remain patient when facing hardships while enjoining good and forbidding evil. These pieces of advice have been preserved in the Holy Quran.
Allah تعالیٰ says:
يَا بُنَيَّ أَقِمِ الصَّلَاۃَ وَأْمُرْ بِالْمَعْرُوْفِ وَانْهَ عَنِ الْمُنْكَرِ وَاصْبِرْ عَلٰی مَا أَصَابَكَ إِنَّ ذٰلِكَ مِنْ عَزْمِ الْأُمُوْرِ
Translation: “My dear son! Establish prayer, encourage what is right, forbid what is wrong, and remain patient over whatever hardship comes to you. Indeed, this is among the matters that require great determination.”
(Surah Luqman: 17)
Tafsir Usmani states:
“This means that whatever hardships you face in this world—especially those that commonly arise while enjoining good and forbidding evil—bear them with patience and determination. Losing courage because of difficulties is not the way of people with strong resolve and bravery.”
(Tafsir Usmani)
