Practical steps to attain patience

[Abu Milk]

As-Salamu 'alaykum wa Rahmatullah,

The Prophet (saws) said in Sahih al-Bukhari:

“Verily, patience is at the first strike”
إِنَّمَا الصَّبْرُ عِنْدَ الصَّدْمَةِ الْأُولَى

This is a very important hadith. Sometimes we read books, listen to lectures, and watch videos that cover theoretical components of sabr.
However, when we face real difficulties we may find it difficult to put our knowledge into practice.

How can we change that?

One method that sounds reasonable is that the theory needs to be put into practice via a series of regular training events.
Similar to a muscle, the more we train it, the stronger it will become. The less we train it, despite our knowledge, the weaker it will become.

What are some practical everyday exercises to help build our sabr muscles?

 

[Abu Milk]

A few opportunities to exercise your sabr muscles: volunteering your time/getting used to interrupting what you want

1) Volunteer your time by serving your wife/husband: make some tea, food or offer a massage etc.
2) Volunteer your time by serving your children: read them a book or play a game etc.
3) Volunteer your time by serving your neighbor: offer to cut their grass, remove some trash from their yard etc.
4) Volunteer your time by serving your friends: help with homework, or a project at work, or how to put on a tie.
5) Volunteer your time by helping the elderly: help them cross the street, open the door, or carry some groceries.
6) Volunteer your time by helping the sick: do some chores for them, offer them comfort or other.
7) Volunteer your time by helping a stranger in need: open the door for them, or assist them in some other task.

 

[Umm Abed]

Jazakallah.

Through patience you will find peace.

:wa: