Sabr (Patience)

Sabr (Arabic: صبر) means "patience," "perseverance," or "steadfastness" and is one of the highest virtues in Islam. Sabr encompasses three dimensions: patience in obeying Allah's commands, patience in avoiding sins, and patience in enduring trials and suffering.

The Quran mentions sabr over 90 times and associates it with great reward: "Indeed, the patient will receive their reward without account" (Surah Al-Zumar 39:10). And: "O you who believe! Seek help in patience and prayer. Indeed, Allah is with the patient" (Surah Al-Baqarah 2:153). Note that the Quran here mentions sabr together with salah (prayer) as the two most important tools in the believer's life.

Imam Ali (peace be upon him) said: "Sabr is of two kinds: sabr over what you dislike, and sabr in restraining yourself from what you desire" (Nahj al-Balagha). Imam Husayn (peace be upon him) is the ultimate exemplar of sabr — his patience and steadfastness in Karbala, despite the loss of his closest ones, thirst, and overwhelming odds, is the most powerful example of sabr in Islamic history.

In the context of prayer, sabr is connected with consistently observing prayer times, even when it is difficult (e.g., the Fajr prayer), maintaining khushu despite distractions, and continuing with worship even when one does not "feel" it. Imam al-Sadiq said: "The one who prays his prayers on time and is patient with them will meet Allah, and He will not call him to account" (Al-Kafi, vol. 3). Sabr is the foundation for a strong spiritual life.