In Islam, patience (sabr) is a deeply valued virtue, especially in the face of injustice. Sabr in such contexts means maintaining steadfastness, resilience, and trust in Allah while actively upholding justice and seeking solutions. Islam encourages both endurance and a proactive approach to justice, balancing patience with a commitment to remedying wrongs. Here’s how Islam addresses sabr when dealing with injustice:
1. Understanding Sabr as Active Patience

• In Islam, sabr doesn’t mean passive acceptance of oppression. Instead, it involves maintaining inner peace, reliance on Allah, and staying committed to ethical actions without resorting to anger or despair.
• The Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him) practiced active patience in the face of opposition, remaining resilient and turning to Allah in moments of adversity, while also addressing injustices through appropriate actions and strategies.

2. Trusting in Allah’s Wisdom and Justice

• Islam teaches that Allah is All-Knowing and Just (Al-‘Adl), and His wisdom encompasses matters beyond human comprehension. Maintaining sabr means trusting that ultimately, Allah will establish justice and that everything unfolds according to His divine plan.
• The Qur’an reassures believers that, “And We will surely test you with something of fear and hunger and a loss of wealth and lives and fruits, but give good tidings to the patient, who, when disaster strikes them, say, ‘Indeed, we belong to Allah, and indeed to Him we will return’” (Qur’an 2:155-156). This perspective reinforces patience, reminding believers that all trials have a purpose.

3. Responding to Injustice with Ethical Action

• While sabr requires emotional resilience, it also calls for standing against injustice within the bounds of Islamic ethics. The Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him) said, “Whoever of you sees an evil, let him change it with his hand; and if he is not able, then with his tongue; and if he is not able, then with his heart” (Sahih Muslim).
• This teaching highlights that patience with injustice includes efforts to address and change it. If direct action isn’t possible, verbal protest or, at minimum, internal opposition to injustice is encouraged. Sabr thus involves action balanced with trust in Allah.

4. Seeking Legal and Social Remedies

• Islam encourages using lawful means to address and seek redress for injustice. The Qur’an speaks to the value of fair arbitration and justice systems: “Indeed, Allah commands you to render trusts to whom they are due and when you judge between people to judge with justice…” (Qur’an 4:58).
• Sabr allows individuals to pursue justice in measured, patient ways, utilizing social and legal channels where possible while leaving ultimate outcomes to Allah.

5. Avoiding Revenge and Resentment

• Sabr involves avoiding impulsive, vengeful reactions that may lead to further harm or wrongdoing. Instead, patience allows time for reflection, ensuring that responses align with Islamic ethics and avoid exacerbating the situation.
• The Qur’an advises, “And the retribution for an evil act is an evil one like it, but whoever pardons and makes reconciliation, his reward is [due] from Allah. Indeed, He does not like wrongdoers” (Qur’an 42:40). This verse emphasizes forgiveness and reconciliation as virtues while also validating proportionate responses to wrongdoing.

6. Cultivating Inner Strength and Faith

• Through sabr, Muslims are encouraged to rely on Allah, seeking solace through prayer and remembrance (dhikr). Patience becomes a source of inner strength, keeping one grounded and preventing discouragement.
• The Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him) frequently turned to prayer when faced with challenges, setting an example of relying on Allah and finding spiritual strength in moments of injustice.

7. The Reward for Patience in the Hereafter

• Islam teaches that enduring injustice with sabr is a means of spiritual growth and draws immense reward from Allah. The Qur’an promises, “Indeed, the patient will be given their reward without account” (Qur’an 39:10).
• This belief in divine justice and reward strengthens the resolve of those enduring hardship, reminding them that their patience is meaningful and will not go unrewarded.

8. Maintaining Hope for Justice and Change

• Patience in Islam is not resignation; it involves hope for justice and improvement. A patient believer remains optimistic that Allah will bring about positive change, even if it may not be immediate.
• This hope is reflected in the Qur’anic stories of Prophets who endured oppression and injustice yet maintained patience, perseverance, and faith in Allah’s plan.

In sum, sabr in Islam is a balanced response to injustice, encouraging steadfastness, reliance on Allah, ethical resistance, and lawful efforts to correct wrongs. Islam teaches that through patience, believers gain both spiritual and worldly strength to face and address the trials of injustice, trusting that Allah’s wisdom and justice will prevail.