Bareera Ghaffar, Nottingham
From taking a test many times and not passing, to being quick to get angry, all the way to experiencing a dear one’s sudden death, the trials that people go through are different and affect in a myriad of ways. Some of these trials bring about a great darkness, a heavy feeling one cannot shake off. It can feel as though no one has ever experienced this, and if they have, how did they overcome it? Or when will the wait be over? But it is incumbent upon us in those times to remember, “…And Allah loves the steadfast” (3:147).
As I ponder, the link between sabr and one’s belief in Allah is a strong one. The way one thinks and views patience transforms the way one views one’s trials and tribulations. The Ever-Merciful and Gracious God, As-Sabur (The Patient). Do you think that God will witness the pain and tears of His humble servant and let it all be for nothing? When the Holy Prophet (may the peace and blessings of Allah be upon him) was facing immense persecution, did Allah not state, “And endure thou with patience; and verily thy patience is possible only with the help of Allah. And grieve not for them, nor feel distressed because of their plots” (16:128)
I emphasise that it is complete submission to Allah that helps one overcome difficult times. In times of trial, our belief in Him is paramount. Some trials seem never-ending and far too much to bear, but Allah is All-Knowing, and He knows what we know not. Allah promises that the price of patience is limitless: “…Verily the steadfast will have their reward without measure.” (39:11).
The story of Prophet Yusuf (peace be upon him) illustrates what it means to have sabr in different ways, but I want to delve into how his father, Prophet Yaqub (peace be upon him), dealt with patience. Upon hearing that his son had been devoured by a wolf, his reply was, “…Nay, but your minds have made this sinful deed appear attractive to you. So now dignified patience is good for me. And it is Allah alone Whose help is to be sought against what you assert” (12:19). He knew to turn to Allah and to believe that things would be in his favour. For one to truly bear patience, can only be for the pleasure of Allah. It certainly cannot be in the pursuit of being “seen” as patient. Prophet Yaqub (peace be upon him) was so grief-stricken over his son Yusuf that “…his eyes became white because of grief, and he was suppressing his sorrow” (12:85).
We then see that later in the Surah, Prophet Yaqub (peace be upon him) says, “…I only complain of my sorrow and my grief to Allah, and I know from Allah that which you know not” (12:87). Thus, not only did Prophet Yaqub (peace be upon him) feel the physical and emotional weight of this sorrow, but his belief and trust in Allah, the Almighty, transcended all. It was a patience and a trust that his other sons could not even comprehend.
These are lessons for us to learn from. Sometimes, there are periods when we face trials that test our faith. Sadly, some do not understand, but it really is between you and Allah, and you have to “…be patient with admirable patience” (70:6)—sabrun jamilun. When I came across this Quranic verse, I remember stopping in my tracks and thinking about what it truly means to be admirably patient…
…and to me, it is the highest form of spiritual love for the Divine and submission to Him. It is baring our entire self to Him, knowing that only Allah can help us and only Allah knows our hearts. It is not about people and what they may say or doubt. It is truly knowing that Allah’s decree is final. Though we may not see the bud of the seed we have sown immediately, we trust that something is happening beneath the surface. It is growing, even if it is not yet visible to us. There is a trust that, just as the sun rises and sets in a day, we will see the fruits.
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