People often emphasize the importance of sabr (patience) and urge us to practice it more—but how exactly do we go about doing that? From my experience interacting with others, the best way to build patience is to consciously prepare your mind each morning with the expectation that people may annoy you, interrupt you, or steal your time. It’s hard to control your emotions when these things happen unexpectedly, but if you’re already prepared to face them, why would you feel upset when they actually occur? And imagine how wonderful your day will be if you brace for things to go wrong, but they don’t.
This article will help you manage your emotions and exercise greater self-control by highlighting the logical reason why patience (sabr) is always the answer. As Imam Ali (RA) said: “Whoever adopts patience will never be deprived of success, though it may take a long time to reach him.” He also shared that the Messenger of Allah (saws) taught: “Sabr (with the precise meaning of ‘perseverance’ or ‘persistence’) is of three kinds: Sabr in times of affliction, Sabr in matters of obedience to Allah, and Sabr in refraining from disobedience to Allah. The third is superior to the first two.”
The Truth About Sabr
Sabr is a skill that requires consistent practice to master. It is the root of success in both this world and the Hereafter—lacking it can lead to catastrophic consequences. A key part of sabr is patience itself: through patience, you avoid hasty decisions you’ll later regret, which only make things worse. Patience can be the deciding factor between achieving your goals or falling short.
We live in an era where this trait is needed more than ever. Everything is fast-paced, and our brains are trained to expect instant results: Amazon packages arrive in 1–2 days, we anticipate immediate feedback on social media posts, and we crave quick fixes for every problem. But life’s greatest victories don’t come with a single click—they come from daily, intensive effort, and from placing our trust in Allah.
Changing Your Mindset About Sabr
In Islam, we believe this life is temporary—a truth that calls for a different way of living than what our actions often reflect. The world encourages short-term gains and instant rewards, making it challenging to stay focused on our higher purpose. As Imam Ali (RA) noted: “Under the influence of inordinate cravings, people commit sins in quick succession and keep postponing repentance. Calamities and adversities make them abandon the distinguished traits of Muslims—patience, hope for the future, and striving to improve their circumstances. They advise others with stories and facts but fail to learn from them. They are good at preaching but poor at practice, so they speak of lofty deeds while their actions contradict their words.”
Sometimes our daily actions don’t align with our beliefs—and it’s important not to deceive ourselves about this disconnect. Imam Ali (RA) also reminded us that if we give in to fretfulness, irritation, or despair during hardships, our patience and efforts are wasted. Allah rewards those who remain patient, so instead of shying away from difficult situations, we should embrace them head-on. We should even feel excited: hardships are opportunities to practice sabr and earn greater rewards, as they test our character and will. This simple yet powerful mindset shift can help us navigate life’s challenges with grace.
Duas for Patience
Here are two powerful duas from the Quran to recite when you feel tested:
1. From Surah Al-A’raf (Ayah 126)
Transliteration: Rabbana afrigh Aaalayna sabran watawaffana muslimeen
Translation: “Our Lord, pour upon us patience and let us die as Muslims [in submission to You].”
Best to recite when facing fear, loss, or calamity—Allah is with those who are patient.
2. From Surah Al-Baqarah (Ayah 250)
Transliteration: Rabbana afrigh AAalayna sabran wathabbit aqdamana wansurna AAala alqawmi alkafireen
Translation: “Our Lord, pour upon us patience and plant firmly our feet, and give us victory over the disbelieving people.”
Quran and Hadith on the Virtues of Patience
The Quran offers profound guidance on patience. In Surah An-Nahl (Ayat 126–127), Allah tells the Prophet (saws): “And if you punish [an enemy, O believers], punish with an equivalent of that with which you were harmed. But if you are patient—it is better for those who are patient. And be patient, [O Muhammad], and your patience is not but through Allah. And do not grieve over them and do not be in distress over what they conspire.” This verse teaches us that resentment and anger are like drinking poison and expecting others to suffer—patience and forgiveness allow us to take the moral high ground and move forward without unnecessary burden or stress.
Hadith also emphasizes the value of sabr:
- Narrated Salim Abu An-Nadr: The Prophet (saws) would avoid conflict in battle. He advised believers to pray to Allah and do everything possible to steer clear of strife, only engaging when forced. He said: “Do not wish to face the enemy (in battle) and ask Allah to save you (from calamities), but if you should face the enemy, then be patient—and know that Paradise is under the shades of swords.”
- Narrated Abu Said Al-Khudri: Some Ansari companions asked the Prophet (saws) for help, and he gave to them. They asked again, and he gave again—until he had nothing left. He then said: “If I had anything more, I would not withhold it from you. Remember: Whoever abstains from asking others, Allah will make him contented; whoever strives for self-sufficiency, Allah will make him self-sufficient; and whoever remains patient, Allah will grant him patience. No blessing is greater than patience.”
- Narrated Anas: The Prophet (saws) said: “True patience is at the first stroke of a calamity.”
- Narrated Anas bin Malik: I heard the Prophet (saws) say: “Allah said, ‘If I deprive My slave of his two beloved things (his eyes) and he remains patient, I will admit him to Paradise in compensation.’”
- Narrated Abu Huraira: The Prophet (saws) said: “If Allah wishes to do good to someone, He afflicts them with trials.”
Other Useful Duas
- Dua for Finding Lost Items
- Dua Before and After Eating
- Duas for Rain
- Dua After Adhan
Conclusion
Now more than ever, we need to practice patience and sabr. Our society and generation are conditioned to seek immediate gratification and short-term gains—but this is not the Islamic way. We know that everything in this life is decreed by Allah, and we cannot change His will. Patience helps us overcome challenges and leads to a life of true contentment.
InshaAllah, Allah (swt) will grant us the strength to endure with patience and perseverance. The next time you face a difficult situation, embrace it wholeheartedly—welcome the challenge, and feel excited: you’ve been given a chance to practice sabr, earn greater rewards, and draw closer to Allah. Remember, Allah loves those who remember Him in times of trial.
About the Author
