Sabr…and it’s many Dimensions

From an early age, I recall being taught Sabr solely as endurance in accepting a difficult situation. At least that’s the way I interpreted it! But gradually, I began to appreciate the different dimensions of Sabr, and glimpse into its depth. Alhamdullilah, this was facilitated through experiences and listening to talks by those more knowledgeable than me which opened my mind to reflect.

Recently, I noticed that certain situation would trigger a negative reaction out of me- one which did not instil peace inside of me.

This made me think.

From a cognitive lens I reasoned that my brain developed programmed responses from past experiences. So, I attached negative meaning to certain situations, which would automatically trigger negative thoughts and emotions. As I result, I would respond from this compromised version of myself.

Not ideal, which is what I concluded.

I reasoned that a lot of self work needed to be done, to overcome the conditioned neural pathways and in it’s place forge newer healthier neural pathways. I knew that this would take up a lot of mental energy for me and I knew that I needed Sabr for this. I viewed the process itself intimately imbedded in the practice of Sabr. Why? Because responding in a more blessed way which would please Allah, required me to stop, be patient with my negative experience and persevere.

Here are some snapshots of reflections and how Sabr has looked like in my experience. Sometimes it’s looked like a deep breath, sometimes delaying myself from reacting emotionally, and many times imploring Allah SWT.

1. Endurance

Getting through a difficult situation with steadfastness rather than kicking up a fuss about it. This was the first layer I learned about Sabr.

2. Actively striving and being positive and hopeful about the outcome

You can endure a situation now, and at the same time strive to find a solution, and make a change, and be positive about the change. Doing all of these things at once is definitely a challenge, but a part of our journey as Muslims is to struggle in bettering ourselves, sculpting our character and purifying ourselves to get closer to Allah SWT.

3. Working on purifying my intention

Although I continue to work on this, the idea of doing something for the sake of Allah, has really revolutionised the way I approach difficult or unpleasant tasks. Doing something for Allah transcends any other reason in existence. When you willingly submit as a servant of Allah, it frees you from any other chain of this world. Hence, there is an opportunity for liberation through remembering Allah. Consequently, a situation which solicits Sabr can be a gateway towards greater levels of sincerity.

4. Harnessing resilience

I’ve seen Sabr helping me bounce back from situations, because you have a faith-focused endurance which again, transcends this Dunya. I see this faith-focused endurance as fuelled by trust in Allah. Implicit in the Sabr, is the trust that Allah is looking out for you and He wants what is best for you. This gives you strength to continue to show Sabr time and time again, and it increases your remembrance of Allah.

5. Taming the ego

Some situations rouse an automatic response to react egotistically to protect your sense of self. In my experience, having Sabr has been a buffer for that. You have patience, so this delays the response of your ego, in which case it allows you to give a response which is from a higher level of yourself; you don’t let the ego rush forward but instead tame it by practicing Sabr. Sabr allows us therefore, to access more graceful and higher-level versions of ourselves. I soon came to realise that having patience is not a reactive state, it is a very conscious and awakened state to be in, because it requires effort and energy in over-come the lower self. Also, I see this as being a marker of building good character.

Those are some of my reflections on experiencing Sabr!

I know I’ve scratched the surface and I think that Sabr has a depth and wisdom that I may never fully experience and appreciate…

 …What do you think about the read?...I would love to know how Sabr has appeared in your life...