Sabr/Patience is an extremely important virtue for a believer

Alhamdu lillahi Rabbil ‘Aalameen. Was-salatu was-salaamu alaa Khayril mursaleen. Muhammadin-nabeey-yil Ummiy-yee, wa-‘alaa aalihee, wa sahbihee, aj-ma’een.

Ammaa ba’ad:

Innalláha wa malaaikata yusallúna alan nabi. Yá ay yuhal latheena ámanu sallú alayhi wasalli mú tas leema. Allahumma Salli alá Muhammad, WA ala áli Muhammad, Kama salayta ala Ibrahim, WA ala ali Ibrahim. Allahumma barik ala Muhammad, wa alaa áli Muhammad, kama barakta ala Ibrahim, wa ala ali ibrahim. Fil ála meen, innaka hameedun majeed.”

 Ramadan patience

Sabr/Patience is an extremely important virtue for a believer

  Sabr is an extremely important virtue for a believer.

The Holy Prophet Muhammad (Sallallaahu alayhi wasallam) talking to some poor Muslims from Ansar whom he had given whatever he had, said:

"Whoever practices Sabr, Allah Subhanahu wa Ta’aala gives him Sabr.

 And no one can be given anything better or more far-reaching (comprehensive) than Sabr”: Bukhari and Muslim.

   In This month of Ramadan patience has been the most important lesson for all of us.

Like it or not we have all been applying patience in our daily life in Ramadan.

Those who have not have lost out. (Why be a loser? pray more).

     My dear friend we are all tested by Almighty Allah Subhanahu WA Ta’aala (GOD) in numerous ways in this dunya and it all depends on how we handle it...

Life comes and goes just as quickly for those who live morally as for those who do not.

Those who exhibit impatience when facing the tests that Almighty Allah Subhanahu WA Ta’aala (GOD) creates while they are in this world, who revolt against them by becoming impatient, and who are not constant in their morality and worship one day will die and find themselves between Heaven and Hell.

Those who choose patience and surrender to Destiny spend their temporary life here in the finest possible way

And will enter Paradise due to their trust in Almighty Allah Subhanahu WA Ta’aala (GOD).

Those who spend their life being impatient,

And complaining about their difficulties and troubles will find them in the darkness of Hell, just as they lived here in the darkness of irreligion, and will realize that they have sacrificed eternal life for a short temporary life on Earth.

Hardships and ease are a trial for you.

 Everything Allah chooses for you; from good or evil, is for your benefit.

Whatever occurred to you could not have missed you and what missed you could never have reached you.

Rewards are only for those who are patient with the Decree of Allah.

Panic and impatience cannot prevent Allah’s Decree. Shakwah, Shikwa etc (complaining) is contradictory to Sabr (patience).
 Allah alone can protect you from harm and ease your difficulties. Sabr is obligatory!

If the affliction results from acts of obedience to Allah, such as injury on the battlefield, losing money during Hijra
(migrating for the sake of Allah), losing a job because of accepting Islam or because one attempts to follow the Sunnah of Allah’s Messenger (Sallallaahu ‘alayhi wasallam) like growing the beard, wearing the lower garment above the ankles, etc, then the affliction is a trial. Whoever bears it with patience will be rewarded and whoever exhibits annoyance may invoke the wrath of Allah upon himself.

If the affliction befalls due to sinful actions, such as illnesses caused by drinking alcohol and using drugs etc,
 then the affliction is a punishment from Allah. Hasten to avoid all sinful acts and turn towards Allah in repentance and ask his forgiveness. Otherwise, know that the punishments of the Hereafter are far more severe and unbearable.

If the affliction is neither connected to neither a good deed nor a sin, such as other kinds of disease and sickness, losing a child, or failing in business, then you should evaluate your actions.
 If you are involved in some kind of disobedience to Allah then the affliction is a punishment for you and a reminder to leave your evil deeds. Otherwise, Allah has caused this affliction to test your patience. The Messenger of Allah (Sallallaahu ‘alayhi wasallam) said: “One amongst the inhabitants of Hell, who had lived a
 life of ease and pleasure in the world, would be made to dip in the Hell Fire only once on the Day of Resurrection.
 Then he would be asked: ‘O son of Adam, Did you find any comfort. Did you get any blessing?’ He would say: ‘By Allah, no, my Lord!’ Then a person, from the inhabitants of Paradise, who had led the most miserable life (in the world), would be made to dip once in Paradise and it would be said to him: ‘O son of Adam, did you face any hardship or experience any distress?’ he would say: ‘By Allah! No never have I experienced any hardship or distresses.” (Saheeh Muslim, No. 6738)

  “And certainly, we shall test you with something of fear, hunger, loss of wealth, lives and fruits, but give glad
 tidings to as-Saabireen (the patient ones).
 Who, when afflicted with calamity, say: “Inna Ilahi WA Inna Ilaihi Raaji’un (Verily to Allah we belong and verily, 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.” (2:155-157)

    But Do You Know What Sabr/patience really is?

 It implies patience, forbearance, perseverance, determination, fortitude, constancy and steadfastness.

Sabr/patience assumes different dimensions depending upon which aspect of life is the point of reference:

Here is one example:-Our Holy Prophet Muhammad (Sallallaahu alayhi wasallam) demonstrated best of Sabr/patience in all of the situations

 Described below giving us a vivid picture of what a perfect and ideal Sabr/patience looks like.

The most outstanding example of Sabr/patience in the way of Almighty Allah Subhanahu WA Ta’aala (GOD) demonstrated

In the face of persecutions from non-Muslims was that of our Holy Prophet Muhammad (Sallallaahu alayhi wasallam)'s 13 years in Makkah and his experience in Taaif.

 That was humanity at its best, Sabr/patience par excellence and Ihsan without a parallel. (Sunna in operation)

To prepare for this, he was admonished at the very outset of the mission,

"And practice Sabr for the sake of your Lord." Al-Mudaththir 74:7

And then he (Holy Prophet Muhammad Sallallaahu alayhi wasallam) was reminded,

"Rejected were the messengers before you and they continued to practice Sabr while they were being rejected and persecuted, until Our help reached them?" Al-Anam 6:34

"And practice Sabr; certainly Allah does not let the reward of the Muhsineen be lost." Younus 11:115

He (Holy Prophet Muhammad Sallallaahu alayhi wasallam) indeed excelled in what he was commanded.

The same is expected from us.

Although we may not be able to reach that level of excellence, our goal is to strive towards that level.

We all have an obligation to revive Islam (Dawa), and we are bound to face all kind of difficulties requiring us to exhibit appropriate Sabr in response to all of those circumstances.

The Holy Prophet Muhammad (Sallallaahu alayhi wasallam) did warn us about this situation,

"A time is going to come on people when remaining steadfast on Deen will be like holding a burning coal in one's hand." Anas R.A. in At-Tirmizi

…….Lowest level of Sabr:-

One of the best qualities of our Holy Prophet Muhammad (Sallallaahu alayhi wasallam) was his inexhaustible Sabr/patience,

 Almighty Allah Subhanahu WA Ta’aala (GOD) was always with Holy Prophet Muhammad (Sallallaahu alayhi wasallam) because Almighty Allah Subhanahu WA Ta’aala (GOD) is always with those who patiently persevere.

Tears or Sadness is not against the spirit of the patience.

When the grandson of Holy Prophet Muhammad (Sallallaahu alayhi wasallam), (son of Zainab R.A.), was taking his last breath in the Prophet's lap, tears came down from Holy Prophet Muhammad (Sallallaahu alayhi wasallam),’s eyes.

When Sad R.A. wondered, the Prophet Sallallaahu alayhi wasallam explained,

 "This is an expression of mercy that Allah has put in the hearts of people.”. : Bukhari and Muslim.

This kind of patience is the lowest level of Sabr expected of the believers and is one of the qualities emanating from the Taqwa in the heart.

The test of the patience is at the initial shock. With time, everyone cools down.

The patient person controls his/her reactions at the very outset.

Reacting emotionally in the beginning and then cooling off is indicative of lack of patience.

The Messenger of Allah Holy Prophet Muhammad Sallallaahu alayhi wasallam) told a women crying over the grave of her husband, "Maintain Taqwa and be patient.

“Later on he explained to her, "The real Sabr (patience) is that which is demonstrated at the initial shock.Bukhari and Muslim.

The Messenger of Allah Holy Prophet Muhammad Sallallaahu alayhi wasallam) said, "Allah Tabaaraka WA Ta’aala says: O son of Adam!

If you remained patient restraining yourself and expecting my reward at the initial shock,

I will not be happy without rewarding you with Jannah.” Ibn Majah.

The complementary quality for this Sabr is Shukr (gratitude) which means thanking Allah Subhanahu WA Ta’aala for any good things,

Happy occasions, successes, health, profitability, good harvest and prosperity we enjoy in our life.

Because all of these things depend, in addition to our hard work, on many favorable circumstances and conditions that are beyond our control,

A believer thanks Allah Subhanahu WA Ta’aala for providing the ability to work hard and making our efforts fruitful through all those favorable circumstances and conditions.

This is what is alluded to in the following Ahadith:

The Messenger of Allah Holy Prophet Muhammad (Sallallaahu alayhi wasallam) said, "Wondrous are the believer's affairs.

For him there is good in all his affairs, and this is true only for a believer. If he encounters something troubling, he remains steadfast with patience, and that is good for him.

If he experiences something pleasing, he thanks Allah, and that is good for him. : Muslim.

    “   O ye believe! Endure and out-do all others in endurance: [3: 200]

      And surely We shall try you with something of fear and hunger, and loss of wealth and lives and crops: but give glad tidings to the steadfast. [2: 155]]
       Seek help in steadfastness and prayer. Lo! Allah is with the steadfast. [2: 153]

  Abu Sayed Khudri [RA] related that some people from among the Ansar requested the Holy Prophet Muhammad Sallallaahu alayhi wasallam) to give them something and he gave them; they asked again and he gave them till he exhausted all that he had. Then he Holy Prophet Muhammad Sallallaahu alayhi wasallam) said to them:  ''Whenever there is anything with me, I do not hesitate to give it to you. Remember: One who desires chastity, Allah makes him chaste; one who wants contentment, Allah makes him content; and the person who aspires for steadfastness, Allah bestows steadfastness upon him. No one has been awarded a better bounty than patience and submission.''  (Bukhari and Muslim)
Our Holy Prophet Muhammad (Sallallaahu alayhi wasallam)  demonstrated best of Sabr in all of the situations giving us a vivid picture of what a perfect and ideal Sabr looks like.

The most outstanding example of Sabr in the way of Allah Subhanahu WA Ta’aala demonstrated in the face of persecutions from non-Muslims was that of our Prophet Sallallaahu alayhi wasallam 13 years in Makkah and his experience in Taaif. That was humanity at its best, Sabr par excellence and Ihsan without a parallel. To prepare for this, he was admonished at the very outset of the mission,

"And practice Sabr for the sake of your Lord." Al-Mudaththir 74:7

And then he was reminded,

"Rejected were the messengers before you and they continued to practice Sabr while they were being rejected and persecuted, until Our help reached them." Al-Anam 6:34

"And practice Sabr; certainly Allah does not let the reward of the Muhsineen be lost." Yunas 11:115

"The fair settlement for a wrong is equal retribution.

However, whoever forgives and reconciles his reward is due on Allah, and Allah does not like the unjust.

 And whoever avenges himself after being wronged, they are not to be blamed.

The blame is on those who oppress people and wrongfully rebel in the land.

For them, there will be a painful punishment.

And indeed whoever practices Sabr and forgives that is a highly resolute, top-notch behaviour" Ash-Shuraa Quran: 42:40

    Once, a person was verbally abusing Abu Bakr while the Prophet Sallallaahu alayhi wasallam was curiously watching with a smile. After taking much abuse quietly, Abu Bakr responded to a few of his comments. At this, the Prophet Sallallaahu alayhi wasallam exhibited his disapproval, got up and left. Abu Bakr caught up with the Prophet Sallallaahu alayhi wasallam and wondered, "O Messenger of Allah, he was abusing me and you remained sitting. When I responded to him, you disapproved and got up." The Messenger of Allah Sallallaahu alayhi wasallam responded,

"There was an angel with you responding to him. When you responded to him, Shaitan took his place."

He then said,

"O Abu Bakr, there are three solid truths: If a person is wronged and he forbears (without seeking revenge) just for the sake of Allah Subhanahu wa Ta’aala, Allah will honor him and give him upper hand with His help; if a person opens a door of giving gifts for cementing relationships with relatives, Allah will give him abundance; and, if a person opens a door of seeking charity for himself to increase his wealth, Allah will further reduce his wealth." Abu Hurairah R.A. in Musnad Ahmad.

The prime example for practicing Sabr, forbearing and then forgiving is the behaviour of Yusuf in response to his brothers' wrongs. The Holy Qur’an observes:

"Indeed, whoever maintains Taqwa and practices Sabr, Allah does not let the reward of the Muhsineen be lost." Yusuf 12:90

The above two dimensions of Sabr were purely from the perspective of the personal life of a Muslim. The third and fourth dimensions cover the kind of Sabr needed in the Islamic work. No matter what dimension of sabr we talk about, we must always remember, that our Prophet Sallallaahu alayhi wasallam provided the best examples in all of them.

        He indeed excelled in what he was commanded. The same is expected from us.

 Although we may not be able to reach that level of excellence, our goal is to strive towards that level.

 We all have an obligation to revive Islam as a movement and we are bound to face all three kind of difficulties mentioned in this section requiring us to exhibit appropriate Sabr in response to all of those circumstances. The Holy Prophet Muhammad (Sallallaahu alayhi wasallam) did warn us about this situation,

"A time is going to come on people when remaining steadfast on Deen will be like holding a burning coal in one's hand." Anas R.A. in At-Tirmizi

This world my friend is but a believer’s prison.Gather all the strength at your command and be patient/Sabr and forbearing throughout its ups and downs. With courage and fortitude, stand against adversities and calamities. Make yourself understand that the agitation and anguish inside you, aside from involving a great disgrace by them, are futile in confrontation with sufferings and calamities.

Be happy with Almighty Allah Subhanahu WA Ta’aala (GOD) and don’t complain in front of creatures about His irresistible decrees and inevitable ordainments. During the times of hardships, turn your heart's attention to the focal point of Absolute Perfection (Almighty Allah Subhanahu WA Ta’aala (GOD)  and you will witness its effects in this world itself and your heart will attain such an expanse that it will become the realm of the manifestation of Almighty Allah Subhanahu WA Ta’aala (GOD) 's sovereignty. Richness and contentment will then pervade your heart such that everything related to this world will become worthless in your eyes. Sabr, forbearance and restraint bring fair, plentiful rewards and have sublime and beautiful forms in the world of Barzakh (purgatory).

If you have faith in Almighty Allah Subhanahu WA Ta’aala (GOD) and you believe that all the affairs lie in His mighty hands,

You will not complain before Almighty Allah Subhanahu WA Ta’aala (GOD) of the hardships of life and the adversities that strike you.

 Rather, you will accept them willingly, fulfill your duties and thank Him gratefully for His bounties.

 If there's one thing I've really learned from studying Islam and is now definitely part of my being is Sabr/patience.

Once you get it's a treasure to hold tight .It's not easy, but it's possible! I Pray to our creator Almighty Allah Subhanahu WA Ta’aala (GOD) grant all of us Sabr/patience. Amen.

"It is Allah Who has created me, and it is He Who guides me; and when I am ill, it is He who cures me

"And it is He Who feeds me and gives me to drink..."And who will cause me to die, and then will bring me to life (again);

"And Who, I hope will forgive me my faults on the Day of Recompense, (the Day of Resurrection)" (Surah Al Shuraa)

And remember what our beloved prophet Muhammad SAW saying: Whoever remains patient,

Almighty Allah Subhanahu WA Ta’aala (GOD) will make him patient.

Nobody can be given a blessing better and greater than patience. Sahih Bukhari.

Anas bin Malik [R.A...] related that the Holy Prophet Muhammad Sallallaahu alayhi wasallam) said:  '' No one should wish for death because of misfortune that befalls him. If any body should be so hard up with life he could say: Allah, keep me alive as long as life is good for me, and I may die when death is better for Me.'': [Bukhari and Muslim].

My beloved Brothers and Sisters,

 I ask Almighty Allah Subhanahu WA Ta’aala (GOD) to grant us Sabr /patience,

I ask Almighty Allah Subhanahu WA Ta’aala (GOD) to grant us Sabr/ patience,

I ask Almighty Allah Subhanahu WA Ta’aala (GOD) to grant us Sabr/ patience.

Ya Allah, we ask you to relieve the suffering of all those who are under the oppression, and to heal those that are sick, and to help us in gaining a part of your knowledge in our studies and to use that knowledge for the benefit of all his creation.

Ya Allah please guide our footsteps to the right path and forgive us our mistakes and shortcomings.

 Allahumma ighfirlana wa irhamna

WA ‘fina wa afu ‘anna

WA tawalana wa tub ‘layna

WA arina al Haq haqan warzookna atiba’a

WA arina al baatila baatilan warzookna ijtinaba

WA unsor illah hum ill muslimeen

WA akhir da’wana wal hamdu illah rab il ‘Aalameen

WA salamun ‘al mursaleen

WA aqim al salah…

The big Question is can keep your Sabr going?

What has Ramadan done for you?

What where the lesson learnt?

Take stoke of your life now, if you have not done so by now, Do it my friend...

I’d like to pray for all of us to be included in the group of persons who are being rewarded by the virtue of sabr.

If I said anything correct, then it is from Allah (Subhanahu WA Ta’aala),

      And if I erred, then that is from me and Shaitan.

May Allah Subhanahu WA Ta’aala (GOD) make us from the Companions of His Book and unite us with His righteous slaves in the highest gardens of Paradise. Amen.

May Allah Subhanahu wata`aalaa grant us what is best in this world and the next!

Action speaks louder then words my friend’s practice Islam the way of the Holy Prophet Muhammad (Sallallaahu alayhi wasallam) did.

 May Allah Subhanahu WA Ta’aala (GOD) help us to do that which He loves and which pleases Him?

May Allah Subhanahu WA Ta’aala (GOD) make our efforts sincere and keep us all on the straight path...........

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