Sabr is one of the most frequently mentioned qualities in the Qur'an. Allah commands it, praises those who possess it, and promises immense reward for it. But what does sabr actually mean? Ibn al-Qayyim al-Jawziyyah, rahimahullah, opens his book Excellence of Patience and Gratefulness with a precise and comprehensive definition. The following is an excerpt from Chapter 1, published by Darussalam.
The Meaning of Sabr
The original meaning of the word sabr is: "to prevent and to subdue or arrest." Thus, sabr means to restrain the soul from worry, control the tongue from complaining, and restrain the limbs from striking the face, tearing the clothes, and similar acts of impatience.
Allah says:
"Restrain yourself with those who call upon their Lord." (Qur'an 18:28)
The word sabr embraces three essential meanings:
- To restrain — holding the soul back from panic, despair, and complaint
- To find strength — drawing upon inner firmness and resolve
- To pull oneself together — gathering oneself in the face of difficulty
The word is used in different grammatical forms to convey related meanings:
- Sabr — to be steadfast
- Tasabbur — to try and attempt to be steadfast
- Istibar — to make the effort to acquire steadfastness
- Musabarah — to hold someone in the state of steadfastness
- Tasbir — to encourage someone to exercise sabr
It is said that the original meaning of the word also carries the sense of strength and power. The word subr is taken from this meaning and applies to fertile land — because of its hardness and firmness. Another view holds that sabr means "to collect and to gather" — hence saabir is a person who holds himself up and keeps his soul away from worry and anxiety.
A Reflection
What is remarkable about Ibn al-Qayyim's definition is that sabr is not passive. It is not simply enduring something. It is an active, deliberate restraint — of the soul, the tongue, and the limbs. The person of sabr is not someone who feels nothing; they are someone who feels everything and chooses, for the sake of Allah, to hold themselves together.
Allah says:
"Indeed, Allah is with the patient." (Qur'an 2:153)
To be with Allah in difficulty — that is the reward of sabr.
This active, deliberate restraint is precisely what Ibn al-Qayyim calls believers to elsewhere when confronting life's hardships — see our reflection on Trials and Tribulations.
About the Book
Excellence of Patience and Gratefulness by Ibn al-Qayyim al-Jawziyyah is a comprehensive and deeply moving exploration of two of the most important qualities a believer can possess. Published by Darussalam. Available at The Islamic Book Cafe for $15.00.
Baarakallahu feekum — The Islamic Book Cafe | Portland, Oregon
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