A Guide to Sabr in Islam
Patience, or “Sabr” in Arabic (صبر), is a profound concept in Islam, symbolizing endurance, perseverance, and unwavering faith in the face of adversity. Every individual will encounter storms in life—hardships that test their resolve and faith. However, those who bear these trials with patience, trust in Allah, and maintain their composure, will be rewarded immensely. This article delves into various hadiths about patience, offering a detailed understanding of their significance in shaping a Muslim’s life.
Patience is a key part of the Islamic faith. It isn’t just about tolerating hardship but growing through it. In this article, we’ll explore different hadiths that highlight the importance of patience, each explained in English, Urdu, and Arabic, with insights drawn from these teachings. By understanding these hadiths, you’ll gain a framework to deal with life’s challenges, and through patience, achieve success in both worlds.
The Real Patience at the First Stroke of Calamity
English Translation
The Prophet Muhammad (PBUH) said
“The real patience is at the first stroke of a calamity.”
(Sahih Bukhari, Hadith No. 389)
Arabic Version
قال رسول الله صلى الله عليه وسلم
“إنما الصبر عند الصدمة الأولى”
(صحيح البخاري ٣٨٩)
Urdu Translation
حضرت محمد ﷺ نے فرمایا
“حقیقی صبر وہ ہے جو مصیبت کے پہلے لمحے میں کیا جائے۔”
(صحیح بخاری: 389)
Explanation of Hadith
This hadith emphasizes that true patience is not just about enduring hardship, but how we react at the moment calamity strikes. At the onset of a trial, emotions run high—shock, fear, and anger can overwhelm a person. However, Islam encourages believers to control these feelings and turn to Allah with trust and patience. This is when patience holds the most reward because it reflects a deep submission to the will of Allah.
Patience and Annoyance from People
English Translation
The Messenger of Allah (PBUH) said:
“The believer who mixes with people and bears their annoyance is better than the one who does not mix with people and does not bear their annoyance.”
(Sunan Ibn Majah, Hadith No. 5085)
Arabic Version
قال رسول الله صلى الله عليه وسلم
“المؤمن الذي يخالط الناس ويصبر على أذاهم خير من الذي لا يخالط الناس ولا يصبر على أذاهم”
(سنن ابن ماجه ٥٠٨٥)
Urdu Translation
نبی کریم ﷺ نے فرمایا
“وہ مومن جو لوگوں میں رہتا ہے اور ان کی تکلیف پر صبر کرتا ہے، اس مومن سے بہتر ہے جو نہ لوگوں میں رہتا ہے اور نہ ان کی تکلیف پر صبر کرتا ہے۔”
(سنن ابن ماجہ: 5085)
Explanation of Hadith
This hadith highlights the virtue of patience in dealing with others. Human interaction can often lead to misunderstandings and annoyances. Instead of isolating oneself to avoid conflict, the Prophet (PBUH) teaches that enduring people’s behaviour with patience is more commendable. This endurance reflects the strength of character and is rewarded by Allah.
Patience in Seeking Allah’s Reward
English Translation
The Prophet Muhammad (PBUH) said
“No fatigue, illness, sorrow, sadness, hurt or distress befalls a Muslim, even if it were the prick he receives from a thorn, but that Allah expiates some of his sins for that.”
(Sahih Bukhari, Hadith No. 5641)
Arabic Version
قال رسول الله صلى الله عليه وسلم
“ما يصيب المسلم من نصب ولا وصب ولا هم ولا حزن ولا أذى ولا غم، حتى الشوكة يشاكها، إلا كفر الله بها من خطاياه”
(صحيح البخاري ٥٦٤١)
Urdu Translation
حضرت محمد ﷺ نے فرمایا
“جب بھی کسی مسلمان کو کوئی تکلیف، بیماری، غم یا دکھ پہنچتا ہے، یہاں تک کہ اگر اسے کانٹا چبھ جائے، اللہ اس کے گناہوں کو معاف فرما دیتا ہے۔”
(صحیح بخاری: 5641)
Explanation of Hadith
This hadith provides solace in times of hardship. Every pain and discomfort, no matter how small, purifies a Muslim’s sins. The suffering a person endures, be it physical or emotional, is a means of drawing closer to Allah. Patience during these difficult times results in a significant reward, even when the trial seems insignificant.
The Reward for Patience
English Translation
The Prophet Muhammad (PBUH) said
“Whoever remains patient, Allah will make him patient. Nobody can be given a blessing better and greater than patience.”
(Sahih Bukhari, Hadith No. 1469)
Arabic Version
قال رسول الله صلى الله عليه وسلم:
“ومن يتصبر يصبره الله، وما أعطي أحد عطاء خيرًا وأوسع من الصبر”
(صحيح البخاري ١٤٦٩)
Urdu Translation
نبی کریم ﷺ نے فرمایا
“جو شخص صبر کرے گا اللہ اسے صبر عطا فرمائے گا، اور کسی کو صبر سے بہتر اور وسیع انعام نہیں دیا گیا۔”
(صحیح بخاری: 1469)
Explanation of Hadith
This hadith teaches us that patience is one of the greatest blessings Allah can grant. It’s a trait that, when developed, leads to immense reward and success. The more one practices patience, the more Allah increases their ability to endure hardship with grace and strength. Therefore, patience is both a gift and a means to acquire more blessings in life.
Allah is with the Patient
English Translation
The Prophet Muhammad (PBUH) said:
“Indeed, Allah is with the patient.”
(Surah Baqarah: 153)
Arabic Version
قال الله تعالى:
“إن الله مع الصابرين”
(البقرة: ١٥٣)
Urdu Translation
اللہ تعالیٰ نے فرمایا:
“بیشک اللہ صبر کرنے والوں کے ساتھ ہے۔”
(البقرہ: 153)
Explanation of Hadith
This simple yet powerful statement reinforces the idea that patience draws one closer to Allah. Being “with the patient” means that Allah supports and protects those who endure hardship for His sake. It reassures believers that they are not alone in their struggles—Allah is always present, guiding and helping them through their trials.
Sources of the Hadiths
Sahih Bukhari is Considered one of the most authentic collections of hadith, compiled by Imam Bukhari.
Sunan Ibn Majah Another reputable hadith collection, gathered by Ibn Majah, a renowned Islamic scholar.
The Quran Numerous verses across different surahs emphasize the importance of patience, offering spiritual support to believers facing adversity.
Key Insights and Teachings from the Hadiths
Patience is an Act of Worship
Patience, in Islam, isn’t just about tolerating challenges but is an active form of worship. By showing patience, especially during hardship, a believer demonstrates their trust in Allah’s plan, and this in itself is rewarded greatly.
Patience Strengthens Character
The trials we face serve to strengthen our character. Whether it’s dealing with personal pain or the annoyance of others, patience helps develop a resilient and calm demeanour. This internal strength makes it easier to face bigger challenges in life.
Every Hardship Has a Purpose
Suffering is not meaningless in Islam. Even the smallest inconvenience is an opportunity for spiritual growth. Every hardship a Muslim endures with patience serves as a means for their sins to be forgiven and their status with Allah to be elevated.
Allah is Always With the Patient
When a believer practices patience, they’re never alone. Allah promises to be with those who endure their trials patiently. His presence provides comfort and strength, helping them overcome even the most difficult of tests.
Conclusion
Patience is a powerful trait in Islam, embodying strength, perseverance, and unwavering trust in Allah. Through the hadiths mentioned, we learn that patience isn’t just about waiting—it’s about enduring life’s challenges with grace and faith. The more we practice patience, the closer we get to Allah and the more rewards we receive in this world and the next. Let’s all strive to be among those who, when faced with adversity, say “Alhamdulillah” and persevere with patience.