Patience (Sabr) in Islam

Allah (Subhanah Wa Talah ) tests us in may ways. In fact, our Holy Quran states clearly that Allah (SWT) asks us to be patient and know the virtue of sabr.

Be sure we shall test you with something of fear and hunger, some loss in goods or lives or the fruits (of your toil), but give glad tidings to those who patiently persevere, Surah Baqarah (2: 155).

And We shall try you until We test those among you who strive their utmost and persevere in patience; and We shall try your reported (mettle). Surah Muhammad (47: 31).

We are all tested on a daily basis in our jobs, our lives, and with our families. We tested in stronger ways through death, divorce, illness, etc. Sometimes, our most difficult tests lead us to despair or depression. These times we should not lose hope, but exercise “sabr” or patience. The Quran tells us to place our patience in his hands and pray for guidance:
On no soul does Allah Place a burden greater than it can bear. It gets every good that it earns, and it suffers every ill that it earns. (Pray:) “Our Lord! Condemn us not if we forget or fall into error; our Lord! Lay not on us a burden Like that which You did lay on those before us; Our Lord! Lay not on us a burden greater than we have strength to bear. Blot out our sins, and grant us forgiveness. Have mercy on us. You are our Protector; Help us against those who stand against faith.”

There are rewards for patience. First, patient person is blessed by Allah (SWT). Second, Allah (SWT) gives us His mercy. Last, Allah (SWT) offers us his guidance

Surah Baqarah (2: 157):
“They are those on whom (Descend) blessings from Allah, and Mercy, and they are the ones that receive guidance.”

Surah Hud (11:11), we are promised reward for our patience:
Not so do those who show patience and constancy, and work righteousness; for them is forgiveness (of sins) and a great reward.

The below You Tube Video talks about the importance of patience in Islam and examples set by our Prophet Muhammad (peace and blessings be upon Him).