"What is sabr in Islam and what does the Quran say about it?"
Sabr (صبر) means patient perseverance, not passive resignation but active trust in Allah's plan. The Quran mentions sabr in over 90 verses, making it the most emphasized virtue after iman. Key Quranic teachings: Allah is WITH the patient (2:153), patience earns unlimited reward (39:10), every hardship comes with ease (94:5-6), and Allah tests those He loves (2:155-157).
يَا أَيُّهَا الَّذِينَ آمَنُوا اسْتَعِينُوا بِالصَّبْرِ وَالصَّلَاةِ
Ya ayyuhalladhina amanus-ta'inu bis-sabri was-salah
O believers, seek help through patience and prayer, Quran 2:153
إِنَّمَا يُوَفَّى الصَّابِرُونَ أَجْرَهُم بِغَيْرِ حِسَابٍ
Innama yuwaffas-sabirun ajrahum bi ghayri hisab
The patient will be given their reward without account, Quran 39:10
وَلَنَبْلُوَنَّكُم بِشَيْءٍ مِّنَ الْخَوْفِ وَالْجُوعِ وَنَقْصٍ مِّنَ الْأَمْوَالِ وَالْأَنفُسِ وَالثَّمَرَاتِ ۗ وَبَشِّرِ الصَّابِرِينَ
Wa la nabluwan-nakum bi shay'im minal-khawfi wal-ju'i wa naqsim minal-amwali wal-anfusi wath-thamarat. Wa bashshiris-sabirin
We will surely test you with fear, hunger, loss of wealth and lives, and give good tidings to the patient, Quran 2:155
Patience in performing acts of obedience, waking for Fajr when tired, fasting when hungry, praying when busy. The ongoing effort of worship.
Patience in refraining from sins, resisting temptation, holding the tongue, lowering the gaze. The ongoing restraint of nafs.
Patience through trials and calamities, illness, loss, grief, failure. The ongoing acceptance of Allah's qadar.
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