When we hear the word sabr, or patience, we often think it means to just wait. To hold still. To say “inshaAllah” and then go about our lives hoping for things to magically work out. But that’s not what real patience is.
In Islam, patience is not about sitting on your hands. It’s not about giving up control and letting the world happen to you. Real patience is putting in the effort, doing your best, and trusting Allah with the outcome, even if that outcome isn’t what you were hoping for.
Patience Is in the Struggle
Think of Prophet Musa (AS) when he was commanded to go to Pharaoh, the most powerful tyrant of his time. He didn’t sit still and wait for Pharaoh to come to his senses. He faced his fears, stood tall, and acted. That was patience.
Or Prophet Muhammad ﷺ during the most difficult years in Makkah. He was insulted, boycotted, attacked. But he didn’t stop spreading the message. He kept going. That was patience.
Patience Is About Resilience
Being patient doesn’t mean you’re okay with being wronged. It means you remain grounded, consistent, and faithful while doing what is right, even if it’s hard.
You apply for that job.
You send that email.
You take care of your family.
You wake up and do the work, even when it feels pointless.
Patience is showing up.
Patience Is in Accepting the Outcome
After you’ve done your part, you let go of what’s out of your control. You don’t tie your happiness to results. That’s where faith comes in.
You don’t say:
“I’ll be happy if this happens.”
You say:
“I’ll keep working, and whatever comes, I trust that it’s what Allah has willed for me. And I’ll be okay with that.”
That is true sabr.
So What Does This Mean for Us Today?
In a time when everything is about quick results, instant gratification, and going viral overnight, patience can feel unnatural.
But as Muslims, we are taught to play the long game.
You might work hard and see no results, for now. You might do everything right and still feel like you’re behind. But your patience, your effort, your silent resilience, it’s all being recorded. None of it is wasted.
“Indeed, Allah is with the patient.” (Qur’an 2:153)
Not with the passive. Not with the ones who sit back.
But with those who keep going, despite the odds.
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