How to attract blessings and mercy from Him [2:156]

In the previous discussion on verses 2-3 of Sura Ankabut, we explored how trials are an inevitable part of life. A trouble-free existence is not the reality of this world; rather, it is through tests that our faith and character are refined.

But once we accept that trials will come, the next crucial question is: How do we respond to them?

Allah (SWT) explicitly states in the Quran that He will test us. In Sura Al-Baqara, He says:

وَلَنَبْلُوَنَّكُمْ بِشَيْءٍ مِّنَ الْخَوفْ وَالْجُوعِ وَنَقْصٍ مِّنَ الأَمَوَالِ وَالأنفُسِ وَالثَّمَرَاتِ وَبَشِّرِ الصَّابِرِينَ

[2:155] And We will most certainly try you with somewhat of fear and hunger and loss of property and lives and fruits; and give good news to the patient,

In the next verse, He talks about an important quality of the sabireen, those who are patient in adversity:

الَّذِينَ إِذَا أَصَابَتْهُم مُّصِيبَةٌ قَالُواْ إِنَّا لِلّهِ وَإِنَّـا إِلَيْهِ رَاجِعونَ

[2:156] Who, when a misfortune befalls them, say: Surely we are Allah's and to Him we shall surely return.

He then goes on to say:

أُولَـئِكَ عَلَيْهِمْ صَلَوَاتٌ مِّن رَّبِّهِمْ وَرَحْمَةٌ وَأُولَـئِكَ هُمُ الْمُهْتَدُونَ

[2:157] Those are they on whom are blessings and mercy from their Lord, and those are the followers of the right course.

This passage highlights a fundamental truth: the key to navigating trials lies in developing sabr (patience and resilience). Those who cultivate sabr are not only given glad tidings in this life but are also recipients of divine blessings and mercy. They are the ones truly guided.

What Activates Sabr?

The sabireen—those who exhibit patience—have a unique way of processing hardship. Their perspective is anchored in the understanding that this world is temporary and that their ultimate return is to Allah. This awareness shifts their mindset from despair to trust in divine wisdom.

When they face loss or pain, they remind themselves:

"Surely we are Allah’s and to Him we shall return." (Quran 2:156)

This phrase is not just a ritual utterance; it is a profound statement of faith. It signifies surrender to the divine will, an acknowledgment that all belongs to Allah, and an invitation to return to Him with trust and hope.

What Does Sabr Look Like?

Shaykh Nasiruddin Tusi describes sabr as: "Sabr restrains the inner being from anguish, the tongue from complaint, and the bodily members from untoward movements."

This means sabr manifests in three key ways:

1. Inner Peace– A heart that is not overcome by despair or agitation.
2. Words of Faith and Gratitude– A tongue that refrains from complaints and instead utters words of reliance on Allah.
3. Composed Actions– A body that does not react impulsively but remains steadfast in righteous conduct.

In contrast, Imam Khomeini describes the lack of sabr:

"The inward being of the impatient person is full of anxiety and alarm. His heart is full of tremors and shaky, and this itself is the greatest calamity that can befall a human being and deprive him of peace. But Sabr diminishes misfortune and makes the heart overcome hardship and assists the will to overpower calamities."

Here, we see that sabr is not just a virtue for the Hereafter—it is essential for our own mental and emotional wellbeing in this life. Without sabr, trials not only affect our external circumstances but also disturb our inner peace, making an already difficult situation even harder to endure.

The Ultimate Reward for Sabr

 The rewards of sabr extend beyond mere endurance; they transform trials into stepping stones towards eternal success. Allah (SWT) promises:

إِنِّي جَزَيْتُهُمُ الْيَوْمَ بِمَا صَبَرُوا أَنَّهُمْ هُمُ الْفَائِزُونَ

[23:111] Surely I have rewarded them this day because they were patient, that they are the achievers.

Thus, patience in adversity is not passive suffering—it is an active process of faith, surrender, and growth. The sabireen are not just survivors of hardship; they are its victors. Their resilience earns them divine blessings in this world and the highest rewards in the Hereafter.

Developing Sabr in Our Lives 

Practicing sabr requires both faith and effort. When faced with trials, we can:

•   Remind ourselves of the temporary nature of this world.
•   Reframe hardship as an opportunity for spiritual growth.
•   Control our emotional reactions, speech, and actions in times of difficulty.
•   Restrain ourselves from complaining to other than Allah.
•   Use trials as moments of deepening our connection with Allah.
•   Trust in divine wisdom, knowing that every test carries hidden mercy.

True sabr is not just about enduring pain—it is about finding peace amidst it. It is about holding onto faith when everything else feels uncertain. And in doing so, we align ourselves with the path of the rightly guided, securing not only inner tranquility but also Allah’s eternal mercy and blessings.

May Allah (SWT) grant us the strength to cultivate sabr and the wisdom to navigate life’s trials with grace and faith. Ameen.

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Wishing you a day full of spiritual fulfillment, positivity, purpose and peace.