Sabr is something easily said, yet seldomly practised. Sabr; the act of being patient or practising patience is the capacity to accept or tolerate delay, problems, or suffering without becoming annoyed or anxious. The ability to control one’s actions, speech and other body parts from recklessly reacting to something or someone that might offend or bring disrepute is Sabr.

Sabr is listed in the Quran multiple times by Allah SWT. He also listed his name as As-Sabuur, The Most Patient. As The Most Patient, he loves his creations to practise patience almost every day. Patience is always a common element in the many things that we do as muslims, and this is manifested even in our acts of worship such as Solat, fasting and hajj. Here, we will list a few ayat or verses talking about Sabr (Patience), its virtues, rewards and characteristics.

1) Patience when doing Dakwah

In Surah An-Nahl verses 126 and 127, Allah SWT gives guidance to the Muslims on how to deal with disbelievers. The virtue of patience was shown the utmost of importance for Believers when doing Dakwah (propagation) of the religion.

وَٱصْبِرْ وَمَا صَبْرُكَ إِلَّا بِٱللَّهِ ۚ وَلَا تَحْزَنْ عَلَيْهِمْ وَلَا تَكُ فِى ضَيْقٍ مِّمَّا يَمْكُرُونَ

And be patient, (O Muhammad), and your patience is not but through Allah. And do not grieve over them (the disbelievers) and do not be in distress over what they conspire

Surah An-Nahl Verse 127

This verse is a reminder and guidance for Prophet Muhammad SAW, when he was tested when doing his Dakwah by the acts of the disbelievers. This should be reflected by us as an Ummah of Muhammad SAW of the trials and tribulations that would be upon us when we are doing propogation and the importance of showing patience whilst doing it, no matter how difficult it is.

2) Patience with trials and tribulations

Trials and tribulations are part and parcel of life. In Surah At-Tur, Allah SWT mentioned the importance of patience when dealing with trials and tribulations sent by Him, because regardless of what that has been set upon us, He will be there to watch over us.

وَٱصْبِرْ لِحُكْمِ رَبِّكَ فَإِنَّكَ بِأَعْيُنِنَا ۖ وَسَبِّحْ بِحَمْدِ رَبِّكَ حِينَ تَقُومُ

And be patient (O Muhammad) for the decision of your Lord, for indeed, you are in Our Eyes (sight), And glorify with the Praise of your Lord when you arise

Surah At-Tur Verse 48

3) Patience being an important virtue of those who remain steadfast

When Nabi Musa AS was given his scripture (Taurah), it was a sign of guidance for the Children of Israel. They were guided by Prophets when they remained steadfast in their pursuit of the truth by being patient. It serves as a test for those who believe and those who are not.

The conviction (Yaqin) shown by them coupled with the Patience (Sabr) while waiting for it reflects their believe in the Prophets. However, when one lacks one or both, it reflects the level of disbelief in them, as Iman (Faith) in Allah SWT is based on two pillars; Yaqin (conviction) in the search and in the truth & Sabr (Patience) in waiting the truth from Allah SWT.

وَجَعَلْنَا مِنْهُمْ اَىِٕمَّةً يَّهْدُوْنَ بِاَمْرِنَا لَمَّا صَبَرُوْاۗ وَكَانُوْا بِاٰيٰتِنَا يُوْقِنُوْنَ

And We appointed, from among them, leaders, giving guidance under Our command, so long as they persevered with patience and continued to have faith in Our Signs.

Surah As-Sajdah 24

4) Patience brings success and prosperity

Allah SWT created us into this world for us to be the vicegerents of the Earth. Our ultimate goal is to be able to attain success and achieve prosperity. However, are we really equipped with the necessary tools and actions to do it?

Patience is one of those characteristics in pursuit of both success and prosperity. With his guidance, we will not only achieve success in this world but also in the hereafter.

يٰۤـاَيُّهَا الَّذِيۡنَ اٰمَنُوا اصۡبِرُوۡا وَصَابِرُوۡا وَرَابِطُوۡا وَاتَّقُوا اللّٰهَ لَعَلَّكُمۡ تُفۡلِحُوۡنَ

O you who have believed, persevere and endure and remain stationed and fear Allah that you may be successful.

Surah Ali Imran 200

5) Double rewards for those who practise patience

Being patient can also mean that we need to sacrifice the things that we want, rejecting what we love and accepting what we might not like. However Allah SWT promised double rewards for those who remain patient to repay all the sacrifices. 

أُوْلَئِكَ يُؤْتَوْنَ أَجْرَهُم مَّرَّتَيْنِ بِمَا صَبَرُوا وَيَدْرَؤُونَ بِالْحَسَنَةِ السَّيِّئَةَ وَمِمَّا رَزَقْنَاهُمْ يُنفِقُونَ

Such people will be given their reward twice, because they observed patience. And they repel evil with good, and spend from what We have given to them.

Surah Al-Qasas Verse 54

6) Limitless rewards for those who are patient

In reflection of His name as As-Sabuur, Allah Swt promised to those who do good in this world and being patient of its rewards, will get limitless rewards from Him the hereafter. As a human, we must always treat others the way we want to be treated, while in doing good, we should strive to wait for the blessings that should come later on in the Hereafter, because His Blessings is worth the wait.

قُلْ يٰعِبَادِ الَّذِيْنَ اٰمَنُوا اتَّقُوْا رَبَّكُمْ ۗلِلَّذِيْنَ اَحْسَنُوْا فِيْ هٰذِهِ الدُّنْيَا حَسَنَةٌ ۗوَاَرْضُ اللّٰهِ وَاسِعَةٌ ۗاِنَّمَا يُوَفَّى الصّٰبِرُوْنَ اَجْرَهُمْ بِغَيْرِ حِسَابٍ

Say: O my servants who believe! be careful of (your duty to) your Lord; for those who do good in this world is good, and Allah´s earth is spacious; only the patient will be paid back their reward in full without measure.

Surah Az Zumar (The Groups) Ayat 10

These six verses show us that by being patient, it will benefit us handsomely. The rewards is not only in this world but most importantly in the Hereafter should be what we strive for. As Believers (Mukmin), we must believe that there is no other equal reward except the best of rewards that is in Paradise.  May Allah SWT grant us the strength to be patient at all times and be amongst those believers who practise patience in seeking the rewards and ultimate blessings from Him and grant us a stay in Jannah, Ameen!