The word “Patience” and its various derivatives has been
used in the Glorious Qur’an 103 times.
Patience (Sabr) was described by Nasir al-Din al-Tusi as
“Sabr means restraining the self from agitation when confronted with undesirables.”
Khawaja Abdallah al-Ansari describes patience (Sabr) as “Sabr means restraining
the self from complaint about hidden anguish.”
Imam Ali (a.s.) defined faith (Imaan) saying, “the
structure of faith is supported by four pillars: Patience, Conviction (Yaqeen),
Justice (Adl) and struggle (Jihad). About (Sabr)Imam Ali (a.s.) said, “the
Messenger of Allah (s.a.w.a.s.) said, “Sabr is of three kinds: Sabr at the time
of affliction, Sabr regarding obedience, and Sabr regarding disobedience (of
Allah).” And the third one is superior to the first two kinds.
Imam Ali (a.s.) said, “Sabr is of two types: Sabr on what
you dislike and Sabr on what you like” (Mizan al-Hikma #10099)
When a person reaches higher degree of gnosis (Ma’rifah), he
will not feel anguish and hardships of life, but be happy in anticipation of
the rewards in Hereafter. Imam Ali ar-Riza (a.s.) narrated the Noble
Messenger (s.a.w.a.s.)’s advice to Abu Dharr, “If you can act for the pleasure
(Riza) of Allah with firm conviction, then do so. And if this is not possible
for you then practice sabr on unpleasant matters as it will bring plenty of
blessings.” (Bihar al-Anwar v 82 #21)
When a person renunciates forbidden pleasures and faces
misfortunes and calamities with patience out of obedience to Allah, his soul develops
luminous faculty and raises him to higher spiritual stations. It strengthens
his will power. Sabr regarding sins is the source of the self’s taqwa (fear of
Allah). Sabr regarding obedience (ta’at) is the source of intimacy with Allah
and His Love. And Sabr in misfortunes is the source of Riza with divine destiny
and decrees.
There are four levels of Sabr: Sabr fi Allah (Sabr in
Allah):It means steadfastness to get rid of evil habits (lying, greed, slander)
and ugly traits (hypocrisy, envy, egoism) and abstinence from objects of love
and attraction (avoiding haram music, giving up sleep for night prayers, eating
moderately). This is the stage of “Wayfarers” (ahl al-suluk)
Sabr maa’ Allah (Sabr with Allah): An ardent wayfarer in
the path of Allah during his sincere ibadat and endeavors reaches the state of
self-lessness such that he from time to time witnesses’ intimacy with Allah.
The light of His Attributes and Names illuminates his heart and vision. He must
be patient and safeguard himself from the minor traces of self-love, pride etc.
to witness higher stages. Sabr an- Allah (Sabr from Allah): It pertains to the
lovers of Allah who after experiencing His intense love must return to their
physical world and bear separation from Him. This is the hardest. Imam Ali
(a.s.)’s Dua’ Kumayl refers, “O my God, my Master and my Lord! Even if I can
endure Thy Chastisement, how shall I bear Thy separation?”
Sabr bi Allah (Sabr for Allah): It is the state of
perfection experienced when one achieves the station of existing only with
Allah (baqa’ bi Allah) and molds himself with the norms of Allah (taqalluq bi
akhlaq Allah). It is for those blessed with stability and steadfastness and is
attained after Sabr with Allah.
Reward for Sabr: Imam Ja’ffar as-Sadiq (a.s.) said, “Whoever
of the believers that bears patiently with a tribulation that befalls him, has
the reward of a thousand martyrs. When the believer enters his grave, salat is
on the right hand, zakat on his left, virtue faces him, with Sabr taking him
under its shelter. When the two angels encharged with questioning enter upon
him, Sabr says to salat, zakat and virtue, ‘Take care of your companion, and if
you fail to assist him, I will take care of him myself.’ (Al-Kafi v 2 #17)
Advice of Imam Khomeini in ‘Forty Hadith: “With courage
and fortitude, stand against adversities and calamities. Be happy with Allah
and don’t complain in front of creatures about His decrees and ordainments.
During the time of hardships, turn your heart’s attention towards the Absolute
Perfection (Allah) and you will witness its effects in this world and your
heart will become the realm of the manifestation of Allah’s sovereignty and
every thing 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 Allah and you
believe that all the affairs lie in His Mighty hands, you will not complain
before Him of the hardships of life. Rather, you will accept them willingly,
fulfill your duties and thank Him gratefully for His Bounties.”
Source:
Merits of soul: Patience (Sabr) al-islam.org
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