Patience and Perseverance (Sab'r)

Life Is a Series of Problems

Life is a series of problems, one after another. We all go through cycles of problem, peace, problem, peace. Life becomes difficult and stressful if we do not know how to solve life's problems. Our ability to lead a harmonious life depends on our skill in solving the problems and challenges that come our way.

If we are currently living without a worry in the world, we can be virtually certain that, sooner than we think, we will be faced with problems, both minor and major. That is a fundamental law of life. We have to be prepared for such problems, and able to deal with them when they arise. Several verses of the Qur'an refer to the trials and tribulations of this world, showing that problems are simply part of life — but there are other verses which give us the solutions for coping with them.

The Right Tools for the Right Problem

Every problem can be solved using a specific set of tools. A mechanic uses specialised tools to repair a faulty radiator or brake pads. A cardiothoracic surgeon uses specialised tools to repair a damaged heart. A plumber uses specialised tools to fix a leaking tap. And it is important that the correct tools are used for the correct problem — a surgeon cannot use his instruments to change brake pads, nor can a plumber use his spanner on a heart, even one that is “leaking.”

In the same way, to solve life's problems we need a specialised toolkit, and each tool has a name: Patience, Perseverance, Persistence, Discipline and Determination. When these tools are correctly applied to the correct problem, the challenges of life take on new meaning, and we find harmony and balance. When they are ignored, life becomes difficult.

🌿 Patience in the Qur'an

There are several verses in the Qur'an which speak of the value of patience and perseverance in attaining success in this world and in the Hereafter:

These verses are filled with hope and assurance from Allah (SWT). In His infinite mercy and kindness, Allah gives us the assurance that He is with those who patiently persevere. What more can we ask for? Allah further encourages us to keep striving in the face of obstacles, and not to give up — failure should never be regarded as the end, but as a stepping stone to success, and a vital ingredient of it. No matter how huge the problem, one should never lose hope and trust in Allah. This hope, combined with steadfastness and patient perseverance, is the recipe for success in dealing with life's problems.

The tools of patience and perseverance apply in two main situations. In pursuing goals, patience, perseverance, determination and focus are the essential ingredients for attaining one's objectives. In facing adversity, any difficulty, hardship or calamity becomes bearable through patience and perseverance, and by placing one's trust and hope in Allah.

We do not know when we will be tested, how severe the test will be, or how long it will last — but Allah, Most Gracious, Most Merciful, knows us better than we know ourselves, and He knows we can bear it. No matter how severe or long a problem is, it has to end. That is definite, and that certainty is what gives us the courage to put our trust in Allah and to patiently persevere, for relief may be just around the corner.

The Influence of Shaytaan

When we are faced with problems in life — financial, marital, exam-related, health, family — we usually have a few choices. We can follow the Straight Path: pray to Allah, patiently persevere, and seek a solution within the guidelines of the Qur'an and Sunnah. Or we can take the shortcut and fall prey to the whims of Shaytaan. Or we can ignore the problem and hope it goes away, which simply makes it worse.

It is during our times of difficulty and weakness that Shaytaan is most active, trying hard to lead us astray, as the Qur'an warns:

Shaytaan is referred to as the whisperer, the chief deceiver, and the evil one. When we try to follow the Straight Path, he will do his best to distract us — whispering tempting things, deceiving us into wrong, and giving us false hopes. Many of us fall victim to his ways, as Allah warns: “Did I not enjoin on you, O children of Adam, that you should not worship Satan, for he is your open enemy?” [Ya-Sin 36:60]. “But he did lead astray a great multitude of you. Did you not, then, understand?” [Ya-Sin 36:62]

The Straight Path or the Shortcut

These examples show that the Straight Path is usually the steeper path, but that life's problems can be managed using the formula Allah has given us: patient perseverance. Perseverance means to keep on striving to seek solutions — a solution will not fall from the sky into your lap; you have to keep trying. Those who are impatient live in the world of “instant coffee” and want instant solutions, and it is there that the Whisperer offers his shortcuts, loopholes and quick fixes. Shaytaan does not force us to follow his way — he only tempts us. We are ultimately responsible for our own choices, and success comes from following the instruction: “Obey Allah and obey the Messenger.” [Al-Ma'idah 5:92]

🌿 Patience and Perseverance in Overcoming Oppression

South Africa is a living example of the power of patience and perseverance in overcoming an oppressive government. History makes it clear that all oppressive governments and systems eventually come crumbling down. Oppression does not end on its own; it ends through the will of people who are determined, focused and who patiently persevere, spurred on by the conviction that truth prevails over falsehood, and that freedom is the natural right of mankind.

Two Examples of Perseverance Towards a Goal

Our Life Is a Short Journey

Allah reminds us: “Man can have nothing but what he strives for.” [An-Najm 53:39]. “Man is a creature of haste.” [Al-Isra 17:11]. “Allah loves those who are firm and steadfast.” [Ali 'Imran 3:146]. “Allah loves those who put their trust in Him.” [Ali 'Imran 3:159]. “Allah is with those who patiently persevere.” [Al-Baqarah 2:153]

Our life in this world is but a short journey. We are here on trial, and each of us will go through various successes and failures — that is life. We should remember Allah in good times and in difficult times, but the cycle of life only takes on real meaning in the context of the Qur'an and Sunnah. When faced with afflictions, we take guidance from them, pray to Allah, place our trust in Him, and learn the fine art of sab'r. When sab'r enters the heart, the mind and body find balance, and take on a new focus and a new will to seek solutions — for ourselves, our communities, and the world.

The Prophet Muhammad ﷺ showed, by his own example, through years of hardship and struggle, that it is only through patience and perseverance that victory is achieved. May we learn from his glorious example to persevere patiently in all our own endeavours and afflictions.