art by fari

Patience is not just the act of waiting — it’s the strength to remain steadfast, gentle, and faithful while life unfolds. In Arabic, the word sabr (صبر) captures a profound kind of endurance: one that is quiet, intentional, and deeply connected to trust in Allah.

In Islam, sabr is more than a virtue. It is a form of worship. It is how we navigate difficulty, delay, hardship, and even ease — with grace, composure, and reliance on Allah’s wisdom and mercy. The Qur’an reminds us time and time again that those who are patient are beloved to Allah, and that sabr is rewarded in ways beyond what we can imagine.

For me, sabr is not about passivity — it’s about presence. It’s about being grounded even when the winds of life feel heavy. Choosing this word for my latest calligraphy piece was a way to reflect this inner stillness and strength, and to create a reminder that patience is one of the highest forms of spiritual resilience.

The Power of Sabr in Islam:

• Sabr strengthens the heart and softens the soul.
• It deepens faith and brings the believer closer to Allah.
• The Qur’an links sabr with tawakkul (trust), prayer, and victory.
• Patience is not just for hardship — it is required in times of ease, in worship, and in daily life.

“Indeed, Allah is with the patient.” (Qur’an 2:153)

How to Cultivate Sabr in Daily Life:

• When hardship strikes, take a breath and remember: everything is written with purpose.
• Practice gratitude — patience becomes easier when you recognize blessings.
• Turn to prayer. Let sabr be your way of saying: “I trust You, even now.”
• Remember the reward. Allah promises that the patient will be repaid without measure (Qur’an 39:10).

SABR, my latest calligraphy piece

This piece was written in a deep purple, a color often associated with introspection, wisdom, and quiet strength. The flowing lines of the script are steady and deliberate, mirroring the quiet strength that sabr demands. When I look at this artwork, I’m reminded to slow down, to trust, and to hold space for growth — even when it’s unseen.

Sabr is not about suppressing emotion. It’s about facing life with a deep-rooted calm, a steady heart, and a soul that knows: what is meant for you will reach you — and what isn’t never could.

“And be patient. Indeed, your patience is not but through Allah.” (Qur’an 16:127)