“…Exhorting patient perseverance…”
Sabr means patience, strength of will, being steadfast amid tribulations, enduring trials and afflictions, constancy despite surrounding changes, forbearance, preparedness to sacrifice, determination in the face of opposition, and courage in the face of oppression.
In our modern lifestyle in which anxiety, stress and depression are more common than not, exhortation to Sabr is indispensable. Allah commands us: “O you who believe, seek assistance (and solace) through Patience and Prayer; Surely, Allah is with those who patiently persevere. Refer not to those who have been slain in the path of Allah as being dead; no, they are alive though you perceive it not. Be rest assured that you will be tested with fear, hunger, loss of property, lives and of fruits of your labor. Convey glad tidings to those who are patient; those who when affliction, trial or tribulation befall them say, ‘Surely from Allah we come and unto Him is our return.’ Such are those on whom the blessings and mercy from Allah descends, such are they who follow the path of Divine Guidance” (153-157). The significance of Sabr in the Islamic way of life can be gauged by the Prophet’s (saws) consideration of it as half of faith and as the key to Paradise.
From `Asr to Sabr
Such is the significance of this surah, that whenever the Companions of the Prophet (saws) met, they would not leave until they recited Surat al-`Asr to each other. This, in order to remind each other, and themselves, of the eternal loss that everyone risks if time is wasted or abused.