By Harun Razaq
SABR (Patience and Perseverance): A Muslim must learn to be steadfast and very resolute with Allah particularly in the period of adversity. And must realize that every supernatural healing property other than the correct Islamic way is apparently deceptive and usually bear a certain consequential compensation either immediate or future.

When struck by an affliction, a believer should exhibit patience and perseverance. He should never rebel or express dissatisfaction with Allah’s decree. This is called sabr. Furthermore, a believer should trust that Allah will reward him for his affliction, this is called ihtisab.

Abdullah Bin Amr (RA) reported that Allah’s Messenger (SAW) said: When Allah deprives one of His believing servants from a loved one if he displays sabr and ihtisab, Allah will not approve for him a reward other than paradise. (An-Nisaai )

Sabr and ihtisab are two aspects of one obligation; full submission to Allah’s decree. They are important actions of the heart, and are required form all believers during times of affliction. SABR When a person is struck by an affliction, he should display patience with acceptance of the calamity that struck him.

Allah says; Patience should be manifested from the beginning, and should not be marred or damaged by the magnitude of the loss.  Anas (RA) reported that Allah’s Messenger (SAW) passed by a woman crying next to a grave, he told her ‘have taqwa of Allah, and be patient’.

Not recognizing him, she responded, “Leave me alone, you have not been struck by an affliction like mine!” She was then told that he was Allah’s Messenger (SAW). Extremely distressed and agitated at her blunder, she hastened to him and said, “O Allah’s Messenger, I did not recognize you.”

The Messenger (SAW) replied; Indeed, patience should be displayed. Duah: (Supplication) A Muslim in distress must call Allah through the lawful means, that is, prayer from the Quran or Sunnah in order to achieve perfect solution to his problem. Unfortunately, a lot of Muslims today do approach Allah through un-Islamic way which we shall insha Allah explain later.

To call Allah at the time of problem is the practice of Prophet Muhammad and other prophets as contained in the Quran and Hadith.  For example Qur’an 21:83 narrates how the prophets of Allah called Allah and Allah answered their call. Also, the Hadith contained many evidences that prophet Muhammad used to call Allah when in distress.