What does the Quran say about patience?
The Quran says patience (sabr) is a source of strength, that Allah is with the patient, and that their reward is given "without account". Sabr is mentioned around 90 times. It doesn't mean suffering in silence: it means staying steady with Allah through hard times, while still taking action and asking for help.
What sabr really means
The Arabic word sabr comes from a root meaning "to hold back" or "to restrain". Scholars describe three kinds:
- Patience in obeying Allah, like praying on cold mornings or fasting on long days.
- Patience in avoiding sin, like walking away from something you used to enjoy before Islam.
- Patience with hardship, like illness, loss, money worries or a family that doesn't accept your faith.
Patience is not passivity. You can see a doctor, look for a new job or talk to a counselor and still be fully patient. See Does sabr mean I shouldn't ask for help?
Promises to the patient
- Allah's company. "Allah is with the patient" (Quran 2:153).
- Allah's love. "And Allah loves the steadfast" (Quran 3:146).
- Good news. Those who say "To Allah we belong and to Him we will return" when struck by disaster receive blessings and mercy from their Lord (Quran 2:155–157).
- Ease after hardship. "Indeed, with hardship [will be] ease" is said twice in a row (Quran 94:5–6).
- Unlimited reward. See the verse below.
Patience in the stories of the prophets
The Quran shows patience through people, not just commands. Jacob lost Joseph for years and said "patience is most fitting" (Quran 12:18). Job (Ayyub) lost his health, wealth and family and still turned to Allah, and Allah called him "an excellent servant" (Quran 38:44). The Prophet ﷺ was told again and again to be patient as the earlier messengers were (Quran 46:35).
Patience and your feelings
Sabr doesn't mean you can't cry or feel sad. The Prophet ﷺ wept when his son Ibrahim died. He also taught that real patience shows at the first shock (Sahih al-Bukhari 1283). And he said the believer's affair is all good: when blessed he is grateful, and when harmed he is patient, and both are good for him (Sahih Muslim 2999). See What does the Quran say about sadness? Struggling with worry is not a sign Allah is angry with you. See Is anxiety a punishment from Allah?
- Sabr means staying steady with Allah in obedience, temptation and hardship.
- Allah is with the patient and rewards them without limit.
- Patience goes hand in hand with prayer, dua and taking action.
- Feeling sad or crying does not cancel your patience.
People also ask
Should I read the whole Quran before becoming Muslim?
No, you don't need to read the whole Quran before becoming Muslim. Belief in one God and His messenger is enough; read key surahs to start.
Read the full answer →Can angels take human form?
Yes, angels can take human form by Allah's permission, like Jibril appearing to Maryam and to the Companions. What the Quran and hadith say about it.
Read the full answer →What is the soul (ruh) in Islam?
The ruh is the soul Allah breathes into each human, which lives on after death. The Quran says its true nature is known only to Allah (Quran 17:85).
Read the full answer →What does the Quran say about women?
The Quran says women and men come from one soul and earn equal reward. See the rights it gives women and how scholars read the harder verses.
Read the full answer →Can I listen to Quran while working out?
Yes, you can listen to the Quran while working out. No wudu is needed; use headphones, listen with attention and pause it in changing rooms.
Read the full answer →