In the previous article, we discussed some lessons to be drawn from the concept of Sabr.

Now we will discuss the resulting benefits of sabr, the reward for it, and the greatness of this concept in Islam. Allah often advises us to patience and for good reason.

Sabr is a noble quality to possess, and is regarded by all nations, no matter how civilised or backward to be a magnificent character. The benefits of this incredible concept are innumerable, from rewards in this life, to rewards that continue into the hereafter.

Allah exhorts His slaves to seek help with patience and prayer when facing calamities that may befall a person. Allah says, “And seek help in patience and As-Salaah (the prayer),” (al-Baqarah 2:45), for patience is a ticket to ease, a way out from afflictions, and a source of comfort and tranquillity.

We will mention just a few of the many benefits of sabr:

• Victory: Just a relief comes with hardship, and ease after difficulty, victory is attained with patience. Victory in this worldly life and in the hereafter,

Regarding victory in this life against the disbelievers, Allah says,

“But if you remain patient and become Al-Muttaqoon (the pious), not the least harm will their cunning do to you. Surely, Allah surrounds all that they do,” (Aal ‘Imraan 3:120)

The life of this world is a short, temporary life, that will end soon. Bearing the struggles of this life by holding fast to the rope of Allah and being patient, for only a few short years after which a great reward awaits. The reward of paradise and deliverance from the hellfire is reserved for those who were patient, as Allah says,

 “Verily, I have rewarded them this Day for their patience; they are indeed the ones that are successful” [al-Mu’minoon 23:111] 

• Sabr also brings an amazing source of support, for

“Surely, Allah is with those who are As-Saabiroon (the patient),” [al-Anfaal 6:46]

It’s a source of support from the Lord of the Worlds, the Possessor of Might and Majesty, the One who has power to do as He wills, the One to whom all else is subservient!

• Sabr brings power and strength:

“Verily, he who fears Allah with obedience to Him (by abstaining from sins and evil deeds, and by performing righteous good deeds), and is patient, then surely, Allah makes not the reward of the Muhsinoon (good-doers) to be lost,” [Yusuf 12:90]

This is the example of Prophet Yusuf, who bore the trials of life with patience. He was thrown in a well, sold as a slave in an unknown land, lost his family, tempted to evil by the Aziz’s wife, imprisoned for a crime he did not commit and more, yet, he remained patient, and for all this he was rewarded with strength and power, and became a man of great status in the land.

• Sabr brings Guidance:

Allah elevated the those who are patient by granting them the ability to recognise the signs of Allah, and thus guiding them. He distinguished them in this manner four times in the Qur’an,

“Truly, therein are Ayaat (evidences, proofs and signs) for every patient, thankful (person),” [Ibrahim 14:5; Luqman 31:31; Saba 24:19; Ash-Shura 42:33] 

• To add to this list, Allah has granted the patient three special things, He says,

“But give glad tidings to the patient. Who, when afflicted with calamity, say: ‘Truly, to Allah we belong and truly, to Him we shall return.’ They are those on whom are the Salawaat (i.e. who are blessed and will be forgiven) from their Lord, and (they are those who) receive His Mercy, and it is they who are the guided ones,” [al-Baqarah 2:155-157]

Those who have sabr are blessed with the Salawaat, the mercy of Allah and His guidance. And what can be better than the ni’am (blessings) of Allah?!

• The Reward of Allah:

“But those who had been given (religious) knowledge said: “Woe to you! The reward of Allah (in the Hereafter) is better for those who believe and do righteous good deeds, and this none shall attain except those who are As-Saabiroon (the patient in following the truth).” (Qasas 28:80)

And none knows what Allah has kept, for what is in Jannah, no eye has seen, no ear has heard and it has not crossed the mind of any human being. It is beyond our imagination and better. So, have patience, my friends!

• Forgiveness:

We sin by day and by night, our sins accumulate, and truly there is none who is forgiving but our Merciful Lord. He has reserved forgiveness for those who are patient,

 “Except those who show patience and do righteous good deeds: those, theirs will be forgiveness and a great reward (Paradise),” [Hood 11:11]

• More Patience:

Abu Sa’eed al-Khudri (may Allah be pleased with him) said: The Messenger of Allah (peace and blessings of Allah be upon him) said: “…whoever is patient Allah will bestow patience upon him, and no one is ever given anything better and more generous than patience.” (Bukhari and Muslim)

There is nothing better to have than the ability to be patient, and Allah gives it to those who exert effort in this regard more of this quality, and He makes it easy for them.

• Compensation:

We all would like something in return for our efforts,

Umm Salamah said: I heard the Messenger of Allah say: “There is no Muslim who is stricken with a calamity and says what Allah has enjoined – ‘Verily to Allah we belong and unto Him is our return. O Allah, reward me for my affliction and compensate me with something better’ – but Allah will compensate him with something better.”  (Muslim)

When one bears a calamity patiently, and invokes Allah with the supplication, then Allahw ill compensate him for what he lost. Imagine getting compensation from Allah…it is a concept we can barely grasp!

• And last but in no way least, the love of Allah:

“And Allah loves As-Saabiroon (the patient).” [Aal ‘Imraan 3:146]

And what more could a person want? For we know from the hadith in Bukhari and Muslim that when Allah loves a person, He calls on Jibril and commands him to love this person, and all the inhabitants of the sky/heaven also, until acceptance on earth is decreed for this person, and he is loved. Would you not like to be amongst those whom Allah loves?

My brothers and sisters, patience is an honourable characteristic. It makes one dignified in times of hardship, and beautiful in times of ease. It is a character we should seek to learn and engrain in children. May Allah makes us amongst those who are patient.