ṢABR IS NOT ENDURING HARM

 

FAJR REMINDER: ṢABR IS NOT ENDURING HARM

Rabī‘ Al-Akhīr 25, 1448 (7-October-2026)

It is essential to distinguish between Ṣabr (patience) and simply enduring a situation in which one is being harmed.

So, what is Ṣabr (patience)? It is not merely putting up with whatever situation arises without taking action. Ṣabr involves remaining steadfast in obedience to Allāh during difficult times, restraining oneself from sinful reactions, persistently doing what is right, seeking lawful solutions, making Du‘ā’, utilizing available means, and trusting Allāh while patiently awaiting His Assistance.

Allāh (ﷻ) states:

“O you who believe, seek help through patience and prayer. Indeed, Allāh is with the patient.”
[Sūrah Al-Baqarah (2):153]

However, practicing Ṣabr does not mean accepting injustice, remaining silent in the face of abuse, refusing legitimate support, or knowingly exposing oneself to continuous harm under the misconception that taking action is contrary to patience.

A person can demonstrate Ṣabr while pursuing justice. One can be patient while establishing appropriate boundaries, seeking guidance, treatment, protection, reconciliation, or, when necessary, separating from a harmful situation.

At times, people misunderstand Ṣabr and convince themselves: “I must endure regardless of the circumstances,” or, “I must suffer in silence because this is my test.” Yet being tested does not mean that every harmful circumstance must be endured indefinitely without making any effort to change it.

The Sharī‘ah does not instruct a person to simply endure harm when lawful means are available to remove or reduce it. Even within marriage, kindness, justice, and the fulfillment of rights remain essential. Islām encourages reconciliation and the preservation of the family where this can be achieved with fairness and goodness. However, Islām does not sanctify abuse, injustice, continual humiliation, or serious harm as a religious virtue.

Abū Sa‘īd al-Khudrī (Raḍiyallāhu ‘Anhu) reported that the Messenger of Allāh (ﷺ) said:

“Do not cause harm or return harm. Whoever harms others, Allāh will harm him. Whoever is harsh with others, Allāh will be harsh with him.”
[As-Sunan al-Kubrā lil-Bayhaqī, 11384]

Therefore, Ṣabr must never be equated with surrendering to harm. The patient believer does not respond to harm with further harm, but neither does patience require abandoning every lawful means of removing harm.

Seeking assistance does not inherently indicate a lack of Ṣabr. Consulting trustworthy individuals, involving responsible family members, seeking qualified counsel, establishing appropriate boundaries, pursuing reconciliation when suitable, and taking reasonable measures to protect oneself or others from significant harm can all be consistent with Ṣabr and Tawakkul.

The strength of a believer is not measured by how much unnecessary suffering they can endure. Rather, it is demonstrated by their ability to remain obedient to Allāh, control their reactions, seek legitimate remedies, and continue placing their trust in Him throughout the journey.

If you are experiencing hardship, be patient—but do not misunderstand patience. Make Du‘ā’, utilize lawful means, seek support, pursue justice, safeguard yourself and those entrusted to you, and never allow the concept of Ṣabr to become an excuse for injustice.

I beseech Allāh (ﷻ) to count us among those who embody true Ṣabr: those who remain steadfast when tested, restrained when provoked, courageous when confronted with injustice, wise in seeking solutions, and continually reliant upon Him.

May Allāh (ﷻ) grant relief to all those undergoing hardship and guide us to respond to every trial in a manner that pleases Him.

Aameen.