Introduction

In Islam, patience (sabr) and gratitude (shukr) are highly important virtues that Allah (SWT) has praised, and the Prophet (SAW) has given us multiple lessons throughout Islamic history, and within the Quran itself. These laudable qualities are indeed difficult to master, however, these special characteristics are ones that help make our faith stronger, and our characters that much better. Sabr teaches us to persevere, to remain strong even when situations become difficult to bear. It’s about remaining calm, and putting our full faith within Allah (SWT) that He knows best, and that He does not test us beyond our limits. Shukr is all about being thankful for what we have. It reminds us to appreciate the good things in life, even the small ones, and to say thank you to Allah (SWT) for all of it. These virtues are not just good ideas; they are ways of living that can make us better people and bring us closer to Allah (SWT).

During the holy month of Ramadhan, if we do not have the time to engage in deep reflection or prolonged acts of worship, the least a believer can do is exercise sabr and shukr at every chance they get. Let’s have a look at what Allah (SWT) says about these qualities in the Quran, what the Prophet (SAW) has taught us in his Sunnah, and some practical ways on how we, as Muslims, can exercise sabr and shukr beyond Ramadhan .

What is Sabr in Islam? Why is it Important for Us Muslims to Master?

Sabr, often translated as patience, means a lot more than just waiting or bearing difficulties without any sort of complaint. It involves a person to have a deeper sense of self-control, emotional resilience, and a positive mindset in the face of challenges (regardless of how difficult they may be). It’s not just about how you tolerate a situation, but how much faith, or tawakkul, you have in Allah (SWT), and His plans/wisdom.

Within the Quran, there are many verses where Allah (SWT) speaks on the importance of sabr:

• “We will certainly test you with a touch of fear and famine and loss of property, life, and crops. Give good news to those who patiently endure—,” The Clear Quran®, 2:155.
• “Today I have indeed rewarded them for their perseverance: they are certainly the triumphant,” The Clear Quran®, 23:111.
• “And ˹they are˺ those who endure patiently, seeking their Lord’s pleasure,1 establish prayer, donate from what We have provided for them—secretly and openly—and respond to evil with good. It is they who will have the ultimate abode,” The Clear Quran®, 13:22.
• “[…] those whose hearts tremble at the remembrance of Allah, who patiently endure whatever may befall them, and who establish prayer and donate from what We have provided for them,” The Clear Quran®, 22:35.
• “˹When you ˹believers˺ are touched with good, they grieve; but when you are afflicted with evil, they rejoice. ˹Yet,˺ if you are patient and mindful ˹of Allah˺, their schemes will not harm you in the least. Surely Allah is Fully Aware of what they do,” The Clear Quran®, 3:120.
• “So endure ˹this denial, O Prophet,˺ with beautiful patience,” The Clear Quran®, 70:5.
  
  

The Prophet Muhammad (SAW) also emphasized the value of patience in numerous ahadith:

• Narrated by Anas, the Prophet (SAW) has said, “The real patience is at the first stroke of a calamity,” Sahih al-Bukhari, 1302.
• Abu Sa’id al-Khudri reported from the Prophet (SAW) where he said, “Whatever good (riches, goods) I have, I will not withhold it from you. He who refrains from begging Allah safeguards him against want. and he who seeks sufficiency, Allah would keep him in a state of sufficiency, and he who shows endurance. Allah would grant him power to endure, and none is blessed with an endowment better and greater than endurance,” Sahih Muslim, 1053a.
• Abu Sa’id and Abu Huraira state that the Prophet (SAW) said, “Never a believer is stricken with a discomfort, an illness, an anxiety, a grief or mental worry or even the pricking of a thorn but Allah will expiate his sins on account of his patience,” Riyad as-Salihin, 37.
  
  

How Often Do You Give Thanks to Allah (SWT)?

Shukr in Islam is a characteristic that is most often forgotten by us Muslims to practice, and that too, on a daily basis. Gratitude in Islam is more than just saying, “thank you,” to Allah (SWT). It’s about truly recognizing and appreciating all the blessings and good things Allah (SWT) has given, both big and small. It also means accepting Allah (SWT)’s will and decisions in our lives with a positive attitude, seeing the good in what we have and what happens to us, even in tough times. Shukr involves feeling content and satisfied with what Allah (SWT) has provided, seeing His generosity in everything, and expressing this appreciation not just in words, but through our actions and attitudes as well.

Here are some verses from the Quran on the importance of giving shukr:

• “And He has granted you all that you asked Him for. If you tried to count Allah’s blessings, you would never be able to number them. Indeed humankind is truly unfair, ˹totally˺ ungrateful,” The Clear Quran®, 14:34.
• “Whatever blessings you have are from Allah. Then whenever hardship touches you, to Him ˹alone˺ you cry ˹for help,˺” The Clear Quran®, 16:53.
• “Indeed, We blessed Luqmân with wisdom, ˹saying˺, “Be grateful to Allah, for whoever is grateful, it is only for their own good. And whoever is ungrateful, then surely Allah is Self-Sufficient, Praiseworthy,” The Clear Quran®, 31:12.
• “And He is the One Who causes the day and the night to alternate, ˹as a sign˺ for whoever desires to be mindful or to be grateful,” The Clear Quran®, 25:62.
• “Do you not see that the ships sail ˹smoothly˺ through the sea by the grace of Allah so that He may show you some of His signs? Surely in this are signs for whoever is steadfast, grateful,” The Clear Quran®, 31:31.
  
  

Further, here are some ahadith from the Prophet (SAW) on the importance of practicing shukr:

• Ibn ‘Abbas narrates from the Prophet (SAW) that he said, “Some people entered the morning with gratitude and some with ingratitude (to Allah). Those who entered with gratitude said: This is the blessing of Allah, and those who entered with ingratitude said: Such and such asterism was right. It was upon this that the verse was revealed: I swear by the setting of the stars to the end and make your provision that you should disbelieve it,” Sahih Muslim
• In a narration from Abu Bakrah, “When anything came to the Prophet (ﷺ) which caused pleasure (or, by which he was made glad), he prostrated himself in gratitude to Allah,” Sunan Abi Dawud, 2774.
• Sinan bin Sannah Al-Aslami reported from the Prophet (SAW), “A grateful eater will have a reward like that of a patient fasting person,” Sunan ibn Majah, 1765.
  
  

The Symbiotic Relationship Between Sabr and Shukr

The true beauty of sabr and shukr lies within how they’re connected with one another. They are like two sides of the same coin, each reinforcing the other. Ramadhan, with its unique spiritual atmosphere, provides the perfect environment to explore and strengthen these virtues.

When a believer fasts with patience, abstaining from food, drink, and worldly desires, and breaks the fast with gratitude for Allah (SWT)’s blessings, a positive spiritual cycle is established. This cycle of patience during the day and gratitude at Iftar reinforces the believer’s reliance on Allah (SWT), fostering a deep sense of peace and contentment.

Implementing Sabr and Shukr Beyond Ramadhan

The lessons of Ramadhan are meant to transcend the month itself, guiding a believer’s actions throughout the year. By internalizing the virtues of sabr and shukr during Ramadhan, Muslims are equipped to face life’s challenges with a resilient and grateful heart.

To integrate these virtues into daily life, believers are encouraged to:

1. Reflect daily on Allah (SWT)’s blessings: making it a habit to express gratitude for both the significant and seemingly minor aspects of life.
2. Maintain a positive outlook: viewing trials as opportunities for growth and a means to draw closer to Allah (SWT).
3. Engage regularly in acts of worship: such as salah and dhikr, which cultivate both patience and gratitude.
4. Serve others and give back to the community: as acts of kindness and generosity nurture a grateful heart and patient spirit.
5. Believe in Qadr (Allah (SWT)’s Decree)): A sister from Texas has recommended to the Ummah that to practice sabr and shukr throughout the year, and especially during Ramadhan, one should believe in the qadr of Allah (SWT), and believe that everything is going to end, whether in good or evil.
6. This world is temporary: Sr. L.W. from Virginia Beach recommends to the Ummah that another way to practice sabr and shukr is by realizing how temporary this world is, especially after noticing how quickly our hunger goes away after we break our fast.
   
   

How Can The Clear Quran® Help You Find Peace During the Hard Times?

Often, when we face any sort of difficulty, the first thing we are recommended to do is turn towards Allah (SWT) by offering prayers, reciting supplications, or reciting the Quran. However, what if the translation is too complicated and scholarly for us to understand? What if we are unable to fully grasp the Quran’s greatest lessons because of the words that are used? The Clear Quran® uses straightforward language for this very reason. Through this translation, we understand that patience and gratitude are not only amazing qualities you have, but practical life skills we can exercise to become successful in this dunya.

This translation makes it clear that sabr isn’t just about the hardship, but how do you find your peace during trials, and then become much stronger from it. Similarly, shukr isn’t just about giving your gratitude towards Allah (SWT), it’s also about how can you find true value and appreciate every experience? Once you make this connection, this is when you discover that you can transform challenges into opportunities. When you apply sabr and shukr into your life, it becomes easier to navigate through life’s challenges. This is why having The Clear Quran® translation is the best investment for your journey.

Conclusion

The virtues of sabr and shukr are foundational to the Islamic faith, offering a blueprint for a fulfilling, spiritually rich life. Ramadhan serves as a catalyst, deepening our understanding and practice of these virtues, but their true test and application extend far beyond this blessed month. By embracing patience and gratitude as guiding principles, believers can navigate the complexities of life with grace and fortitude, drawing ever closer to Allah (SWT).

Suggested Reads:

• From Words to Actions: Applying Islamic Principles in Contemporary Society
• Transforming Ramadhan Rituals into Acts of Environmental Care With The Clear Quran