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Sabr is the Arabic word for patience and perseverance and is a quality exalted and loved by Allah (سبحانه و تعالى). A person close to their Deen is patient in matters both in and out of their control. It is our shield and companion, as a believer, throughout the ups and downs of life.
Allah (سبحانه و تعالى) says in the Holy Qur’an:
“And bear with patience, and your patience is only because of the help of Allah.” (16:127)
Patience is the highest quality we can have and it makes us the best in society. Having patience in calamities and trials is a test of faith, sent upon the Mominoon by Allah (سبحانه و تعالى).
Allah (سبحانه و تعالى) says:
“Everyone is going to taste death, and We shall make a trial of you with evil and with good, and to Us you will be returned.” (21:35)
Understanding the wisdom behind patience is important. We are put through trials and tests in this Duniya as a means of mercy rather than punishment. The All Wise puts us through hard times as a blessing, to rid us of our arrogance and our sins.
“Indeed Allah is with the patient” (2:153)
Shukr, gratefulness goes hand in hand with Sabr. A person who is patient will also display gratitude, for his blessings and provisions. We are bestowed countless blessings throughout our lives, some that even go unnoticed, unrealized. We, as believers, should hence understand the importance of Shukr, to The Bestower, The Almighty, Who gives and withholds from whoever He wishes.
Allah SWT says in the Holy Qur’an:
“And whoever is grateful, it is only for their own good. But whoever is ungrateful, surely my Lord is Self-Sufficient, Most Generous.” (27:40)
The Prophet ﷺ, despite being Allah’s Nabi and Rasool, never faltered in his gratitude. It was reported that the Prophet ﷺ stayed up all night, standing until his feet became swollen. When he was asked, “Why are you doing this when Allah has forgiven all your past and future wrong actions?” He ﷺ replied: ”Should I not be a grateful slave?” [Bukhari]
We believers can express Shukr in the following ways:
- Of the Heart: By acknowledging the abundance of blessings bestowed upon us by Allah (سبحانه و تعالى).
- Of the Tongue: By praying and celebrating the praises of Allah (سبحانه و تعالى).
- Of the Hands: By doing good for the wellbeing of the ummah and society to please Allah (سبحانه و تعالى).
A beneficial Dua, that we can recite to express Shukr, is as follows:
Allahumma a’inni ‘ala dhikrika wa shukrika, wa husni ‘ibadatika
‘O Allah help me to remember You & to give thanks to You & to worship You well.’
Indeed Allah loves His patient and grateful servants, and we pray He makes us one among them. Ameen
