Patience

Patience (Sabr) 

“O my son! Establish regular prayer, enjoin what is right and forbid what is wrong; and be patient  over what befalls you. Indeed, [all] that is of the matters [requiring] determination.

(Quran:Surah Luqman 31, verse 17) 

Patience has many other names according to the situation.  

• If patience consists of restraining desires, it is called honour, the opposite of which is adultery and promiscuity. 
• If it consists of controlling one stomach, it is called self-control, the opposite of which is greed. 
• If it consists of keeping quiet about that which it is not fit to disclose, it is called discretion, the opposite of which is disclosing secrets, lying, slander or libel. 
• If it consists of being content with what is sufficient for ones needs, it is called abstemiousness, the opposite of which is called covetousness. 
• If it consists of controlling ones anger, then it is called forbearance, the opposite of which is impulsiveness and hasty reaction. 
• If it consists refraining from haste, then it is called gracefulness and steadiness, the opposite of which is called hot-headed. 
• If it consists of refraining from running away, then it is called courage, the opposite of which is cowardice. 
• If it consists of refraining from taking revenge, then it is called forgiveness, the opposite is revenge. 
• If it consists of refraining from being stingy, then it is called generous, the opposite of which is miserliness. 
• If it consists of refraining from being called lazy and helpless, then it is called dynamism and initiative. 
• If it consists of refraining from blaming and accusing other people, then it is called chivalry (muru’ah, literally manliness) 

Different names may be applied to patience in different situations, but all are covered by the idea of patience. This shows that Islam in its totality is based on patience.

[Ibn Qayyim al-Jawziyyah, Patience and Gratitude page 15: an abridged translation of ‘Uddat as-sabirin wa dhakhirat ash-shakirin] 

Endurance, to endure hard times or a difficult situation without backing down. Being devoted and motivated throughout  a prolonged stressful activity. 

Perseverance, to persevere, is to continue doing something or trying to do something, despite the difficulties which lie ahead. 

Persistence, to persist is to not give up, not to  back down and to keep on going no matter what. And to continue on the course of action intended. 

Patience, to have patience or to be patient , is to have the ability to accept and tolerate problems and suffering, without becoming annoyed or anxious. To bear annoyance, misfortune, pain without complaint. And to be patient with whatever befalls you, good or bad. 

Refrainment , to refrain from doing something, knowing it will displease the Creator. Such as bad speech, committing a sin, looking at things one shouldn't and also listening to things you shouldn't.  

“And seek help through patience and prayer, and indeed, it is difficult except for the humbly submissive [to Allah].”

(Qur’an:Surah al-Baqarah 2, verse 45) 

Self Awareness and Vigilance 

Know yourself so that you may come to know Allah ﷻ (SubhanAllahu wa Ta'ala - the Most Glorified, the Most High)  (hadith) 

By studying ourselves, our bodies, our functions, our abilities and manners in which we have been created, it will undoubtedly bring you back to the Supreme Fashioner (al-Musawwir), the Originator (al-Mubdi) and the Giver of Life (al-Muhyi) and the Inflicter of Death (al-Mumeet).   

Here is an example for us to reflect upon; we may buy a new kitchen appliance for instance and in order to know how it works we must read the instruction manual. Once we have read through it we can then make the appliance work effectively. Now we all know that Allah created us and for most of us we know that the Qur’an is a healing. “O mankind, there has come to you instructions from your Lord and healing for what is in the breasts and guidance and mercy for the believers.” (Quran:Surah Yunus 10, verse 57) I believe that the instruction manual for us human beings is the Qur’an, Hadith and Sunnah [the sayings and teachings of the Prophet ﷺ (SallAllahu Alayhi Wa Sallam - may Allahs peace and blessings be upon him)]. “I have left with you two things which, if you follow them, you will never go astray: the Book of Allah and the Sunnah of His Prophet”.  

“And if We had made it a non-Arabic Qur’an, they would have said, ‘Why are its verses not explained in detail [in our language]? Is it a foreign [recitation] and an Arab [messenger]?’ Say, ‘It is, for those who believe, a guidance and cure.’ And those who do not believe - in their ears is deafness, and it is upon them blindness. Those are being called from a distant place.”

(Quran: Surah Fussilat 41, verse 44) 

None of us are perfect and we all have our weaknesses, which brings us to the realization on how much we rely on the Creator and how much we are dependable upon Him for everything in this life and the next.  

“And rely upon the Ever-Living Who does not die, and exalt [Allah] with His praise. And sufficient is He to be, with the sins of His servants, Acquainted -  He who created the heavens and earth and what is between them in six days and then established Himself above the Throne - the Most Merciful, so ask about Him one well informed.”

(Quran:Surah al-Furqan 25, verses 58-59) 

“[He is] the Lord of the East and the West; there is no deity except Him, so take Him as Disposer of [your] affairs.”

(Quran:Surah al-Muzamil 73, verse 9) 

Once we have come to the certainty that the Creator has created such complex creations, such as ourselves, we must show gratitude to Him. 

• Strengthen your resilience 

The average person will have approximately 12,000 to 60,000 thoughts per day, that is roughly 1 thought per second. A large majority of these thought are classed as negative and repetitive thoughts which stem from our own nature to inclined to focus on negative. Some may have thoughts that repeat themselves, such as; your not good enough, you cant do that, your not worthy, your fat. After some time of these thoughts being played repetitively in your mind you start to believe them. Hence why we need to replace the negativity with positivity in order for us to strengthen. 

“Do they not contemplate within themselves?” (Qur’an:Surah ar-Rum 30, verse 8) 

“Who remembers Allah while standing or sitting or [lying] on their sides and give thought to the creation of the heavens and the earth, [saying], ‘Our Lord, You did not create this aimlessly; Exalted are You [above such a thing]; then protect us from the punishment of the Fire.”

(Qur’an:Surah al-Imran 3, verse 191) 

• Ask Allah for guidance towards the truth. 

“And be not like those who forgot Allah, so He made them forget themselves.” (Quran:Surah al-Hashr 59, verse 19) 

“O you who have believed, upon you is [responsibility for] yourselves.” (Quran:Surah al Maidah 5, verse 105) 

Meditation

(scientifically proven to reduce stress, control anxiety, improve optimism,  enhance self-awareness, increase concentration, control pain, decrease blood pressure and improve sleep. All you can benefit from when you implement meditation in your daily routine, In Shaa Allah.)  

Not only is it a requirement within Islam to meditate  upon the Creator and also the creation. It is also something our Prophet would practise regular .There are many benefits but also different  methods of meditation.  

The methods for meditation vary, some recommend concentration on the present moment and focusing on the breath. Whereas some other practises require you to focus on an object or thing and reflect upon its creation. 

Daily reflection

(Helps us to learn from the errors and mistakes made and get past them, makes you aware of your success,  improves our imagination to generate new ideas) Reflection does not have to be narrowed down to yourself, you should reflect upon the Quran, “[This is] a blessed Book which We have revealed to you, [O Muhammad], that they might reflect upon its verses and that those of understanding would be reminded.” (Surat sad 38, verse 29) Reflect upon Allah's Creation (Taffakur),“Indeed, in the creation of the heavens and the earth and the alternation of the night and day are signs for those of understanding. Who remember Allah while standing or sitting or [lying] on their sides and give thought to the creation of the heavens and the earth, [saying], ‘Our Lord, You did not create this aimlessly; Exalted are You [above such a thing]; then protect us from the punishment of the Fire.’ (Surat al-Imran 3, verses 190-191) Allah's Beautiful Names, Islamic history and death.

“Every soul will taste death, and will only be given your [full] compensation on the Day of Resurrection.” (Surat al-Imran 3, verse 185) 

But with persistent reflection and awareness you could banish them  thoughts before they become toxic. One of the main techniques is through regular meditation upon the breath.first one should have intentions set straight that it is to please Allah     ﷻ (SubhanAllahu wa Ta'ala - the Most Glorified, the Most High) , that it is not for you but for Allah that you are doing the meditation in order that you can be present with all the good that you do, in Shaa Allah.