Patience, or "Sabr" in Arabic, is a fundamental concept in Islam that encompasses various dimensions of human experience and spirituality. It is highly regarded in Islamic teachings and is considered a virtue that reflects a believer's faith and reliance on Allah.
Types of Patience: Ibn Al-Qayyim categorizes patience into three distinct types:
1. Patience by Allah: This refers to the understanding that true patience is granted by Allah. It emphasizes that a person cannot be patient on their own; rather, it is through Allah's assistance that one can endure hardships. This is supported by the Quranic verse: "And be patient, O Muhammad, and your patience is not but through Allah" (
Quran 16:127).
2. Patience for Allah: This type of patience is motivated by love for Allah and the desire to draw closer to Him. It involves enduring difficulties not for personal gain or recognition, but purely for the sake of Allah, with the aspiration of seeking His pleasure.
3. Patience with Allah: This involves adhering to the commands and decrees of Allah while remaining steadfast in fulfilling religious obligations. It is about accepting Allah's will and being patient in the face of trials and tribulations.
The Importance of Patience Patience holds a significant status in relation to faith (Iman). Ibn Al-Qayyim likens the role of patience to that of the head in relation to the body, stating that just as there is no body without a head, there is no true faith without patience. This highlights the integral role patience plays in a believer's spiritual life.
The Prophet Muhammad (ﷺ) emphasized the value of patience in various Hadiths. For instance, he stated, "Patience is light" [Sahih Muslim], indicating that patience illuminates the path of a believer through trials. Additionally, he taught that "the real patience is at the first stroke of a calamity" (
Sahih al-Bukhari 1302), underscoring the importance of immediate and steadfast response to adversity.
Rewards for Patience Islamic teachings convey that patience is rewarded immensely by Allah. The Prophet (ﷺ) mentioned that a believer who remains patient during trials will have their sins expiated, as stated in the Hadith: "Never a believer is stricken with a discomfort, an illness, an anxiety, a grief or mental worry or even the pricking of a thorn but Allah will expiate his sins on account of his patience" (Sahih Al-Bukhari and Muslim). Furthermore, Allah promises that for those who are patient in the face of loss, particularly the loss of loved ones, the reward is Paradise (Sahih Al-Bukhari).
Examples of Patience The lives of the Prophets serve as exemplary models of patience. The Prophet Muhammad (ﷺ) faced numerous hardships, including exile, loss of loved ones, and persecution, yet he remained steadfast and patient. Similarly, Prophet Ayyoub (Job) is renowned for his extraordinary patience during severe trials, including the loss of his children and wealth, demonstrating contentment and gratitude for the blessings he had received.
