The reward of Sabr

Imam al-Sadiq (a) said: Whoever of the believers that bears patiently with a tribulation that befalls him, has the reward of a thousand martyrs.[Al-Kulayni, al-Kafi, vol.2, bab al-sabr, hadith # 17] Imam al-Sadiq (a) said: When the believer enters his grave, salat is on his 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.[Ibid, hadith # 8]

...And be patient and persevering, for Allah is with those who patiently persevere. (Qur'an, 8: 46)
Imam Jafar al-Sadiq (a) said:

Verily, sabr is to faith what the head is to the body. The body perishes without the head, and so also when sabr goes, faith also disappears.
[Al-Kulayni, al-Kafi, vol. 2, bab al-sabr, p. 128, hadith # 2]

An advice to attain sabr

This world is a believers prison. Gather all the strength at your command and be patient and forbearing throughout its ups and downs With courage and . fortitude, stand against adversities and calamities. Make yourself understand that the agitation and anguish inside you, aside from involving a great disgrace by themselves, are futile in confrontation with sufferings and calamities. Be happy with God and dont complain in front of creatures about His irresistible decrees and inevitable ordainments. During the times of hardships, turn your heart's attention to the focal point of Absolute Perfection (God) and you will witness its effects in this world itself and your heart will attain such an expanse that it will become the realm of the manifestation of God's sovereignty. Richness and contentment will then pervade your heart such that everything 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 God and you believe that all the affairs lie in His mighty hands, you will not complain before God Almighty of the hardships of life and the adversities that strike you. Rather, you will accept them willingly, fulfil your duties and thank Him gratefully for His bounties. [Adopted from Al-Khumayni, Forty Hadith, chapter 16, Sabr]

Merits of the Soul

Patience
(sabr)
When Imam Ali (a) was asked about faith (iman), he replied: The structure of faith is supported by four pillars: Patience (sabr), Conviction (yaqin), Justice (`adl) and Struggle (jihad). Then he explained further: Patience comprises of four attributes: Eagerness, fear, piety and anticipation (of death). So, whoever is eager for Paradise will ignore evil temptations; whoever fears the fire of Hell will abstain from sins; whoever practices piety will easily bear the difficulties and hardships of the life of this world and whoever anticipates death will hasten to perform good deeds.
[Al-Amidi, Ghurar ul Hikam wa Durar ul Kalim, hadith # 2897]

Conclusion:
Imam Ali (a) said: The one who practices sabr will never be deprived of success, even though it may take a long time. [Nahjul Balagha, saying # 153]

To find out more about authentic Islam, visit:

http://al-islam.org/faq/

The definition of Sabr

The famous scholar Nasir al-Din al-Tusi said: Sabr means restraining the self from agitation when confronted with undesirables. The great gnostic (`arif) Khwajah `Abd Allah al-Ansari said: Sabr means restraining the self from complaint about hidden anguish .

The Kinds and Degrees of Sabr

There are various degrees and levels of sabr as indicated by the noble traditions and the reward and merit vary in accordance with degree and level. Imam 'Ali (a) said, "The Messenger of Allah (s) said: Sabr is of three kinds: sabr at the time of affliction, sabr in regard to obedience, and sabr in regard to disobedience (of Allah). And the third one is superior to the first two kinds. [Al-Kulayni, al-Kafi, vol. 2, bab al-sabr, hadith # 15] Imam Ali (a) said: Sabr is of two types: sabr on what you dislike and sabr on what you like. [Mizan al-Hikmah, hadith # 10099]

Relationship of Sabr and Ma rifah of God

As long as a person feels inner anguish over the misfortunes and hardships of life, his marifah (gnosis) of God remains deficient. When a person achieves contentment (rida) and satisfaction at the misfortunes and adverse conditions, his soul reaches a higher station of nearness to God. Sabr in regard to abstinence from sins and fulfilment of duties (ta'at) is related to deficient knowledge of the secrets of ibadat (worship) and the hereafterly forms of acts of sin and obedience. When a person firmly believes that what he is going to obtain in the other world after death is a form of his own deeds performed in this worldly life, he will have no distress while going through hardships and hostile situations. Rather, such a person becomes happy with the difficulties encountered in the fulfilment of divine duties. His joy becomes more than the anguish of a normal person over such difficulties. His attachment to God increases during adverse circumstances. A manifestation of such a high station of rida was exemplified in the personalities of companions of Imam Hussain (a) in the event of Karbala. Imam Reza (a) said: (among the exhortations of Prophet (s) to Abu Dharr (ra): If you are able to act for the pleasure (rida) of Allah with firm conviction, than do so. And if this is not possible for you than practice sabr on unpleasant matters as it will bring plenty of blessings. [AlMajlisi, Bihar al-Anwar, vol. 82, p. 136, hadith # 21]

If a person bears patiently with misfortunes and calamities for some time and seriously endures the hardships entailed during worship, rites and the bitterness arising from the renunciation of forbidden pleasures, and if all this is done for the sake of obedience to his Lord and Provider, it gradually becomes easy for him to bear with the hardships and difficulties. The soul of a patient person relinquishes its earlier uncontrolled state and he develops an enduring luminous faculty that raises him over the station of sabr to reach other higher spiritual stations. Practicing sabr while enjoining good and forbidding evil (amr bil maruf wa nahi anil munkar) makes a person more steadfast and firm. Anguish, anxiety and untoward body movements at the time of financial loss, death, natural disasters etc., are the signs of soul's weakness. They deprive one's personality of stability and dignity, weaken the determination, and enfeeble the intellect. At such delicate moments, sabr is key to the gates of felicity and deliverance. It strengthens the will and the power of resolution to overcome adverse circumstances, make rational decisions and act wisely. Sabr in regard to sins is the source of the self's taqwa (fear of God). Sabr in regard to obedience (ta'at) is the source of intimacy with God and His love. And sabr in misfortunes is the source of rida with divine destiny and decrees.

Higher Levels of Sabr

Sabr fi Allah (sabr in God): It means steadfastness while endeavouring to get rid of evil habits (eg. lying, slandering, greed) and ugly traits (eg. egoism, hypocrisy, envy) and practicing abstinence from the objects of love and attraction (eg. avoiding haram music, giving up sleep for night prayers, eating moderately) during self-purification. It is the denial of selfhood in the path of the Beloved (God). This stage belongs to the wayfarers (ahl al-suluk). Sabr ma`a Allah (sabr with God): An ardent wayfarer in the path of God during his sincere ibadat and endeavours reaches the state of selflessness such that he from time to time witnesses intimacy with God. The light of His attributes and names illuminates his heart and vision. He has to be patient and safeguard himself from minor traces of self-love, pride, etc. during these phases in order to witness higher stages. Sabr `an Allah (sabr from God): It pertains to the stations of lovers of God who after experiencing His intense love have to return to their own physical world and bear separation from Him. It is the hardest and the most difficult of the stations. This sublime level of sabr is indicated by Imam Ali (a) in the famous Du`a Kumayl O my God, my Master and my Lord! Even if I were able to endure Thy chastisement, how shall I bear Thy separation?! Sabr bi Allah (sabr for God): It is the state of perfection experienced when one achieves the station of existing only with God (baqa' bi Allah) and moulds himself with the norms of Allah (takhalluq bi akhlaq Allah). It is for those blessed with stability and steadfastness, and is attained after sabr with God.

The outcome of Sabr

Sabr produces many good results that include soul's training and discipline.

[13:19] Is one who recognizes that your Lord's revelations to you are the truth equal to one who is blind? Only those who possess intelligence will take heed. [13:20] They are the ones who fulfill their pledge to GOD, and do not violate the covenant. [13:21] They join what GOD has commanded to be joined, reverence their Lord, and fearthe dreadful reckoning. [13:22] They steadfastly persevere in seeking their Lord, observe the Contact Prayers (Salat), spend from our provisions to them secretly and publicly, and counter evil with good. These have deserved the best abode. [13:23] They enter the gardens of Eden, together with the righteous among their parents, their spouses, and their children. The angels will enter in to them from every door. [13:24] "Peace be upon you, because you steadfastly persevered. What a joyous destiny." The Arabic root "Sa Ba Ra" translated as perseverance, steadfast/hold fast, or patience simply means unwavering dedication to reaching out certain goals with patience and grace. Another Arabic root that is also translated as steadfast is "Ja Ha Da". This root is for the famous, and widely abused word "Jihad" which is wrongly restricted by the majority to the meaning of "holy war". Both words only represent a top soul quality that God is commanding the believers to strengthen. Believers are to steadfastly and patiently persevere in worshiping Him and in dealing with their daily ups & downs and their adversities. There are many verses in the Quran that remind the believers with this important quality through the use of many derivatives of both "sabr" and "jihad". Whether in a direct command, in a beautiful description of true believers, or to state the blissful rewards awaiting those who steadfastly persevere, it is evident that God is shedding the light on the fact that the path of redemption requires the practice of sabr, and takes a lot of jihad. [19:65] The Lord of the heavens and the earth, and everything between them; you shall worship Him and steadfastly persevere in worshiping Him. Do you know of anyone who equals Him? The continuous effort of being and staying seadfast throughout the journey of submission becomes at times challenging as the human being is created weak

(4:28) and impatient (21:37). As clarified by God, our unwavering perseverance/sabr/jihad to hold fast to His rope at all times is the valid proof of our belief in Him. The Inevitable Test* [3:186] You will certainly be tested, through your money and your lives, and you will hear from those who received the scripture, and from the idol worshipers, a lot of insult. If you steadfastly persevere and lead a righteous life, this will prove the strength of your faith. [47:31] We will certainly put you to the test, in order to distinguish those among you who strive, and steadfastly persevere. We must expose your true qualities. Our perseverance/sabr/jihad is also a strong indication of our total submission and the unshakable trust in Him. Thus, it is always manifested by a better self-control during adversities and higher level of dedication to keeping up with all rites and commands. [29:58] Those who believe and lead a righteous life, we will surely settle them in Paradise, with mansions and flowing streams. Eternally they abide therein. What a beautiful reward for the workers. [29:59] They are the ones who steadfastly persevere, and trust in their Lord. [2:155] We will surely test you through some fear, hunger, and loss of money, lives, and crops. Give good news to the steadfast.* [2:156] When an affliction befalls them, they say, "We belong to GOD, and to Him we are returning." [2:157] These have deserved blessings from their Lord and mercy. These are the guided ones. [103:3] Except those who believe and lead a righteous life, and exhort one another to uphold the truth, and exhort one another to be steadfast. [12:90] .... That is because if one leads a righteous life, and steadfastly perseveres, GOD never fails to reward the righteous." The knowledge that God will always support the truth and those who

persevere to uphold it is the inner strength for being steadfast. God emphasizes to us the promised honorable rewards, in this life and in the Hereafter, for successfully maintaining our perseverance/ sabr/jihad. [34:48] Say, "My Lord causes the truth to prevail. He is the Knower of all secrets." [2:249] .....Those who were conscious of meeting GOD said, "Many a small army defeated a large army by GOD's leave. GOD is with those who steadfastly persevere." [8:66] Now (that many new people have joined you) GOD has made it easier for you, for He knows that you are not as strong as you used to be. Henceforth, a hundred steadfastbelievers can defeat two hundred, and a thousand of you can defeat two thousand by GOD's leave. GOD is with those who steadfastly persevere. [8:46] You shall obey GOD and His messenger, and do not dispute among yourselves, lest you fail and scatter your strength. You shall steadfastly persevere. GOD is with those who steadfastly persevere. [39:10] Say, "O My servants who believed, you shall reverence your Lord." For those who worked righteousness in this world, a good reward. GOD's earth is spacious, and those who steadfastly persevere will receive their recompense generously, without limits. [25:75] These are the ones who attain Paradise in return for their steadfastness; they are received therein with joyous greetings and peace. [11:11] As for those who steadfastly persevere, and lead a righteous life, they deserve forgiveness and a generous recompense. [28:80] As for those who were blessed with knowledge, they said, "Woe to you, GOD's recompense is far better for those who believe and lead a righteous life." None attains this except the steadfast. [3:200] O you who believe, you shall be steadfast, you shall persevere, you shall be united, you shall observe GOD, that you may succeed.

Because we are so fragile, we tend to lose our patience, despair, and collapse, breaking up righteous codes and routines. God is fully aware of this otherwise He would not describe the path of redemption as difficult and He would not stress out the importance of achieving the quality of sabr/jihad /perseverance. The following verses deliver the divine acknowledgment of our hard work (jihad/sabr/perseverance) to get redeemed: [90:4] We created the human being to work hard (to redeem himself).* [90:5] Does he think that no one will ever call him to account? [90:6] He boasts, "I spent so much money!" [90:7] Does he think that no one sees him? [90:8] Did we not give him two eyes? [90:9] A tongue and two lips? [90:10] Did we not show him the two paths? [90:11] He should choose the difficult path. [90:12] Which one is the difficult path? [90:13] The freeing of slaves. [90:14] Feeding, during the time of hardship. [90:15] Orphans who are related. [90:16] Or the poor who is in need. [90:17] And being one of those who believe, and exhorting one another to be steadfast, and exhorting one another to be kind. Once we get engaged in that difficult path, God promises us that He will make it easy for us: [92:5] As for him who gives to charity and maintains righteousness. [92:6] And upholds the scripture. [92:7] We will direct him towards happiness ("easiness" in original Arabic text ; we will make everything easy for him). God explained for us thorough the history of His messengers how sometimes they fall into the same human mistake and lose their patience (18:6582,10:88-89, 68:44-50, 71:26-27). God, thus, equally commands both His messengers and the believers to strive hard in order to beautify their souls with this quality (52:48, 70:5-7, 20:130, 76:24, and many others). He also invites all of us to repent and He assures all His servants a brand new start after every fall as long as we show our regret, repent, and strive to reform (39:53). God tells us that perseverance/sabr/jihad is boosted by the constant practice, worship, imploring, and seeking refuge in Him from Satan

and his constituents. [16:127] You shall resort to patience - and your patience is attainable only with GOD's help. Do not grieve over them, and do not be annoyed by their schemes. [2:45] You shall seek help through steadfastness and the Contact Prayers (Salat). This is difficult indeed, but not so for the reverent, [2:46] who believe that they will meet their Lord; that to Him they ultimately return. [2:153] O you who believe, seek help through steadfastness and the Contact Prayers(Salat). GOD is with those who steadfastly persevere. [73:8] You shall commemorate the name of your Lord, to come ever closer and closer to Him. [73:9] Lord of the east and the west; there is no other god beside Him. You should choose Him as your advocate. [73:10] And remain steadfast in the face of their utterances, and disregard them in a nice manner. [30:60] Therefore, you shall steadfastly persevere - for GOD's promise is the truth - and do not be intimidated by those who have not attained certainty. [76:24] You shall steadfastly carry out your Lord's commandments, and do not obey any sinful disbeliever among them. _____________________ [2:250] ...."Our Lord, grant us steadfastness, strengthen our foothold, and support us against the disbelieving people." [7:126] .... "Our Lord, grant us steadfastness, and let us die as submitters."

Peaceful Friday, salaam, and God bless.