Sabr (Islamic Term) - Quran

Quran

In the Quran, words that are derived from the root ṣ-b-r occur frequently, with the general meaning of being patient. For example, Muhammad(SAW) is told to be patient like the Apostles of God before him The Qur'an promises the patient with double the reward. The concept is also in jihad, where it is translated as "endurance" or "tenacity". It is also used when God commands Muslims to serve Him: XIX, 66, "Serve him and persevere in his service." Sometimes sabr is associated with the salāt. According to the Qur'an commentators, sabr in these passages is synonymous with fasting, as the month of Ramadan was given the name s̲h̲ahr ṣabr (meaning month of patience).

The word is found with the meaning resignation, for example in the sūra of Joseph, Jacob, on hearing of the death of his son, says " fitting resignation", where resignation is the most appropriate translation for sabar. The Qur'an also uses the adjective ṣabbār. This concept is related to s̲h̲ukr (meaning gratitude).

In Qur'an there is usually a close connection between being patient and expecting relief or deliverance from God (tawakkul). Thus Muhammad is told to be "patient till your Lord decides, for you are in Our sight."

• "Seek God (Allah)'s help with patient perseverance and prayer. It is indeed hard except for those who are humble." (2:45)

• "Oh you who believe! Seek help with patient perseverance and prayer, for God is with those who patiently persevere." (2:153)

• "Be sure We shall test you with something of fear and hunger, some loss in goods, lives, and the fruits of your toil.

• "But give glad tidings to those who patiently persevere. Those who say, when afflicted with calamity, 'To Allah we belong, and to Him is our return.' They are those on whom descend blessings from their Lord, and mercy. They are the ones who receive guidance." (2:155-157)

• "Oh you who believe! Persevere in patience and constancy. Vie in such perseverance, strengthen each other, and be pious, that you may prosper." (3:200)

• "And be steadfast in patience, for verily Allah will not suffer the reward of the righteous to perish." (11:115)

• "Be patient, for your patience is with the help of Allah." (16:127)

• "Patiently, then, persevere - for the Promise of Allah is true, and ask forgiveness for your faults, and celebrate the praises of your Lord in the evening and in the morning." (40:55)

• "No one will be granted such goodness except those who exercise patience and self-restraint, none but persons of the greatest good fortune." (41:35)

• "Verily man is in loss, except such as have faith, and do righteous deeds, and join together in the mutual enjoining of truth, and of patience and constancy." (103:2-3)

• "It is not righteousness that you turn your faces towards East or West. But it is righteousness to believe in Allah and the Last Day, And the Angels, and the Book, and the Messengers; To spend of your substance, out of love for Him, For your kin, for orphans, for the needy, for the wayfarer, for those who ask, and for the ransom of slaves; To be steadfast in prayer And give in charity; To fulfill the contracts which you have made; And to be firm and patient, in pain and adversity And throughout all periods of panic. Such are the people of truth, the God-fearing. Qur'an 2:177

• Through every difficulty there is relief. Verily, through every difficulty there is relief. Qur'an 94:5-6