Sabr (Islamic term)

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Sabr (Arabic: صْبِرْ ṣabr) is the Islamic virtue of "patience" or "endurance".^[1] Sabr is characterized as being one of the two parts of faith (the other being shukr).^[2] Its practice is endorsed in both the Qur'an and the sunnah. Muslims scholars have attempted to classify the concept, and one classification divides it in two parts: to actively or passively endure physical challenges, and to remain spiritually steadfast.

Contents 1 Etymology 2 Qur'an 3 Sunnah 4 Classification 5 Sabirun 6 Notes 7 References 8 External links

[edit] Etymology

Arabic lexicographers suggest that the root ṣ-b-r, of which ṣabr is the nomen actionis, means to bind or restrain. The word sabr has a special technical application in the expression yamīnu ṣabr, which is an oath imposed by the public authorities.^[1]

[edit] Qur'an

In the Qur'an, words that are derived from the root ṣ-b-r occur frequently, with the general meaning of being patient. For example, Muhammad is told to be patient like the Apostles of God before him ^[3] The Qur'an promises the patient with double the reward.^[4] The concept is also in jihad,^[5] where it is translated as "endurance" or "tenacity". It is also used when God commands Muslims to serve Him: XIX, 66, "Serve him and persevere in his service."^[6] Sometimes sabr is associated with the salāt.^[7] According to the Qur'an commentators, sabr in these passages is synonymous with fasting, as the month of Ramadan was given the name s̲h̲ahr ṣabr (meaning month of patience).^[1]

The word is found with the meaning resignation, for example in the sūra of Joseph, ^[8] Jacob, on hearing of the death of his son, says "[My best course is] fitting resignation", where resignation is the most appropriate translation for sabar. The Qur'an also uses the adjective ṣabbār.^[9] This concept is related to s̲h̲ukr (meaning gratitude).^[1]

In Qur'an there is usually a close connection between being patient and expecting relief or deliverance from God (tawakkul). Thus Muhammad is told to be "patient till your Lord decides, for you are in Our sight."^[10][11]

[edit] Sunnah

The virtue of sabr can also be found in traditions attributed to the Islamic prophet Muhammad. The hadith talk of God's sabr, which is considered one of the beautiful names of God, indicating the high value laid upon this concept. One example God's sabr is His patience towards those who deny Him. The hadith also say that he/she who practices sabr will be granted sabr for sabr is the greatest charisma.^[12]

The story of the epileptic woman is significant in this and other respects. The woman came to Muhammad and asked him for his du'a. He replied to her that, if she refrained from her request and exercised sabr, then paradise would be her given to her.^[13]

Toshihiko Izutsu writes that the concept of sabr was present in Muhammad's Arabian background, but he transformed it. Previously it was the concept of having steadfastness by being arrogantly confident in one's own superiority. Muhammad, however, changed it to the seeking of patience by believing in God's ultimate justice.^[14]

[edit] Classification

Many Muslim scholars have tried to classify and give examples of sabr. According to the Encyclopaedia of Islam sabr is of two kinds:^[1]

1. physical, like the endurance of physical troubles, whether active (such as performing difficult tasks) or passive (such as suffering illnesses), and
2. the spiritual, such as renunciation in face of natural impulses.

Fakh̲r al-Dīn al-Rāzī distinguishes four kinds:^[15]

1. intellectual endurance (for example in disputed points in religious dogma),
2. endurance in completing tasks one is bound or recommended to do by Islamic law (such as fasting),
3. being steadfast in refraining from forbidden activities, and
4. resignation in times of calamity.

He also gives an application of the concept, Muṣābara, in which ones refrains from taking revenge from one's fellow-creature (like neighbors, People of the Book).^[15]

Al-Ghazali said that sabr consisted of three parts: maʿrifa (the tree), ḥāl (branches) and ʿamal (the fruits).^[1]

[edit] Sabirun

Those that possess sabr to a certain extent are called sabirun. Out of the three classes of beings (animal and plant life, angels, and mankind), man alone may possess sabr. This is because the animals are entirely governed by their desires and impulses; and the angels are completely occupied by their longing for God, so they have desires thus need no sabr to overcome it. In man, however, the two impulses (that of desire and that of religion) are fighting, where the former is kindled by Satan and the latter by the angels.^[1]

This in humans, there are the pious, who have attained sabr by overcoming their animal extincts, called siddikun, while some still struggle in this task. Sabirun are to remain steadfast not only in health and prosperity (where their sabr is to be used as gratitude to God) but also in the performance of religious obligations, in refraining from forbidden things and in the event of uncontrollable calamities.^[1]

[edit] Notes

[edit] References

• Giese, Alma; Reinhart, A.K. "S̲h̲ukr." Encyclopaedia of Islam. Edited by: P. Bearman , Th. Bianquis , C.E. Bosworth, E. van Donzel and W.P. Heinrichs. Brill, 2008. Brill Online. 29 April 2008
• Nemoy, Leon (Jul., 1969). "Ethico-Religious Concepts in the Qur'ān by Toshihiko Izutsu". The Jewish Quarterly Review 60 (1): 70-72. University of Pennsylvania Press. 
• Watt, William Montgomery. "Suffering in Sunnite Islam." Studia Islamica, no. 50 (1979), p. 5-19.
• Wensinck, A.J. "Ṣabr." Encyclopaedia of Islam. Edited by: P. Bearman , Th. Bianquis , C.E. Bosworth, E. van Donzel and W.P. Heinrichs. Brill, 2008. Brill Online. 29 April 2008

[edit] External links

• Madrasah In'aamiyyah, Camperdown