Patience, Sabr

 We are all tested in various ways by Allah (S.W.T.) in this world.  In the Qur'an, in Surah Baqarah (2: 155),  Allah States unequivocally that He will test us:

Be sure we shall test you with something of fear and hunger, some loss in goods or lives or the fruits (of your toil), but give glad tidings to those who patiently persevere,

In Surah Muhammad (47: 31) , Allah reiterates that we will be tested: 

And We shall try you until We test those among you who strive their utmost and persevere in patience; and We shall try your reported (mettle).

At work, we are sometimes denied a promotion, treated unfairly, or even fired.  At home, our children may be a test for us especially in this world of violence, drugs, illicit sex and video games.   Some of us may go through a divorce. Others may find that they have an illness that is very challenging.  Dear members of our family or friends may die.  Often, it is very trying on us, and many of us fall into despair.  It is important  during these times not to lose hope, but rather to exercise sabr or patience.  As Allah (S.W.T.) Himself says in the Qur'an (Surah Baqarah, 2: 286)

On no soul does Allah Place a burden greater than it can bear. It gets every good that it earns, and it suffers every ill that it earns. (Pray "Our Lord! Condemn us not if we forget or fall into error; our Lord! Lay not on us a burden Like that which You did lay on those before us; Our Lord! Lay not on us a burden greater than we have strength to bear. Blot out our sins, and grant us forgiveness. Have mercy on us.  You are our Protector; Help us against those who stand against faith."

If one is patient, and is among the ones described in the following manner in the Qur'an (Baqarah, 2: 256)

Who say, when afflicted with calamity: "To Allah We belong, and to Him is our return":- 
Then here are the rewards Allah will give that person (2:157):

Rewards of Patience

1.  Blessings from Allah.  The patient person is blessed by Allah (S.W.T.)

2. Mercy of Allah.  When Allah (S.W.T.) gives someone His Mercy,  He will let him enter paradise with His Mercy.

3. Guidance of Allah.  A patient person will be guided by Allah (S.W.T.) in this world until he meets Him on the Day of Judgment.

Referring to those who are tested and endure with sabr or patience (2:155-156, see above), all of the above three rewards are mentioned by Allah Himself in the Qur'an in Surah Baqarah (2: 157):

"They are those on whom (Descend) blessings from Allah, and Mercy, and they are the ones that receive guidance."

In Surah Hud (11:11), Allah (S.W.T.) again promises to reward those who are patient in adversity:

Not so do those who show patience and constancy, and work righteousness; for them is forgiveness (of sins) and a great reward.

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May ALLAH grant us Imaan and taqwa, and bless us to be amongst those who
when tested are patient,
when blessed are thankful, 
and when sinful are repentant.  
Ameen!