Often translated as patience, sabr is more than mere patience. Sabr in Islam is a deeper concept, it begins with taking up the means and striving, and ends with accepting the decree of Allah and being content with it.

Sabr is not a mere fatalistic acceptance of the decree of Allah. Rather it includes action. The person must work, and put effort for the desired result, and when the result comes forth whether it is what he desired or otherwise, he knows and accepts that it is from the decree of Allah.

For example, a business man invests his wealth, he buys shares, monitors the stock markets and does everything in his ability to make the largest profit possible. He ensures that his transactions are done in a manner that is pleasing Allah and his seeks Allah’s counsel with every business decision he makes. However, if the stock market were to crash, or he was to be unsuccessful in that initiative he bears it patiently, and perseveres. He seeks the help of Allah in recovering his loss, and turns to Allah for support. All his actions, including the investment and his patience afterwards is part of sabr.

Similarly, if one loses a loved one unexpectedly, the shock and pain experienced is incomparable to any other loss. But with sabr, one comforts himself, knowing there is the meeting of the hereafter, they trust that Allah removed that person from their life for the best, and as such they endure it, they turn to Allah to ease their pain and make things easy for them. They do not question Allah’s actions, nor His wisdom in taking what He bestowed. Rather they are grateful for His favour upon them, of having such a wonderful person in their life and they move on seeking the pleasure of Allah, by being patient with the loss.

Sabr produces many benefits for the believer, especially in regards to their relationship with Allah, for Allah advocated sabr.

• Sabr results in Gratefulness: with patience you are able to reflect on the good in everything, and thus you are grateful to Allah for everything He has decreed for you. As the prophet said, “Strange are the ways of a believer for there is good in every affair of his and this is not the case with anyone else except in the case of a believer for if he has an occasion to feel delight, he thanks (God), thus there is a good for him in it, and if he gets into trouble and shows resignation (and endures it patiently), there is a good for him in it.” (Muslim).

One who has sabr appreciates the little things and the big things. He recognises that there are blessings in every circumstance, as long as he remains patient.

• Sabr makes one content with the Qadr of Allah: Suhayb (may Allah be pleased with him) said: The Messenger of Allah (peace and blessings of Allah be upon him) said: “How wonderful is the affair of the believer, for his affairs are all good, and this applies to no one but the believer. If something good happens to him, he is thankful for it and that is good for him. If something bad happens to him, he bears it with patience and that is good for him.” (Muslim)

One learns to accept the Qadr after taking all the means, he learns that the Decree of Allah is final and Allah only bestows what is good for his servant.

• Sabr teaches trust: Once one has come to terms with the Qadr they begin to trust Allah, for Allah is All-Knowing, Most Aware. They rely on Allah in moments of ease and difficulty, and bear all situations with a collected calmness. It makes the heart tranquil, and releases it from the pains of anxiety and depression.
• Establishes the love of Allah in the heart of the slave: Sabr aids one to build a special relationship with Allah, a relationship built on trust and submission, and in turn involving love. A unique love of Allah finds root within the heart as the slave realises the patience he endures, has far-reaching rewards with Allah. Furthermore, once one has committed to accepting the Qadr after recognising it is good for him, one realises the greatness and magnanimity of Allah, and so his heart softens towards his Lord.
• Sabr increases Iman: believing in the Qadr, having tawakkul (complete trust and reliance) on Allah, naturally increases iman, and one better’s their connection with their Lord, and gets ever-closer to Him. One begins to act in accordance to what is pleasing to Allah bearing the difficulties that arise with patience, and steadfastness.

 “But if you endure patiently, verily, it is better for As-Saabiroon (the patient),” [An-Nahl 16:126]

Allah advises us to be patient throughout the Quran, in various ayaat, and it is no wonder, for patience generates abundant good in this life and even more in the hereafter. It strengthens the heart, and gives it a sense of tranquillity. In the words of the great Khalifah, ‘Umar ibn ‘Abdul-‘Azeez (may Allah be pleased with him) who said, ‘Allah has not bestowed any blessing upon His slaves then taken it away and replaced it with patience, but what He has compensated them with is better than what He has taken away.’