SABR (PATIENCE) AND TAWAKKUL (TRUST IN ALLAH) DURING HARDSHIPS

Life is a journey filled with tests. Allah tests us with fear, sickness, emotional pain, loss, poverty, stress, and unexpected challenges to strengthen our faith. Islam provides a beautiful solution through two powerful qualities: Sabr (Patience) and Tawakkul (Trust in Allah). These qualities bring peace to the heart, stability to the mind, and light to the soul.

Allah Promises Reward For Patience

Allah commands believers to remain patient and promises His help:
“O you who believe! Seek help through patience and prayer. Indeed, Allah is with those who are patient.”
(Surah Al-Baqarah, 2:153)

Allah assures that every hardship is temporary:
“For indeed, with hardship comes ease.”
(Surah Ash-Sharh, 94:6)

Types of Patience in Islam

Islam teaches three types of Sabr:

1. Patience in obeying Allah
2. Patience in staying away from sins
3. Patience during hardships and destiny

A believer must stay strong in all three.

Meaning of Tawakkul — Trust in Allah

Tawakkul does not mean sitting idle. It means making effort and then trusting Allah completely.
Allah says:
“And whoever relies upon Allah, then He is sufficient for him.”
(Surah At-Talaq, 65:3)

Allah also says:
“And when you have decided, then put your trust in Allah. Indeed, Allah loves those who rely upon Him.”
(Surah Aal-Imran, 3:159)

Patience Brings Goodness in Every Situation

The Prophet Muhammad ﷺ said:
“Wondrous is the affair of the believer! For there is good for him in every matter. If he is happy, he thanks Allah and that is good for him; and if he is harmed, he shows patience and that is good for him.”
(Sahih Muslim, Book: Zuhd, Hadith No. 2999)

Hardships Remove Sins

Trials are not punishments; they purify the believer.
The Prophet ﷺ said:
“No fatigue, illness, anxiety, sorrow, harm, or distress befalls a Muslim, even a prick of a thorn, except that Allah expiates some of his sins because of it.”
(Sahih Bukhari, Book: Patients, Hadith No. 5641)

Example of Prophet Ayyub (AS)

He faced extreme illness, poverty, and loss, yet he never complained. His story teaches endless patience. Allah rewarded him with double blessings.

Powerful Dua in Difficult Times
“Hasbunallahu wa ni’mal wakeel”
Allah is sufficient for us and He is the best disposer of affairs.

Conclusion
Sabr strengthens the soul and Tawakkul brings peace. Together they help believers survive emotional storms, financial crises, illnesses, grief, and every hardship with dignity and faith. May Allah make us among the patient and those who rely upon Him completely. Ameen.