With Patience from God: Lessons from the Journey of the Captives of Karbala

Introduction

The 29^th of Muharram marks the sorrowful anniversary of the arrival of the caravan of Karbala’s captives into the court of Yazid in Damascus. Following the tragedy of Ashura, the women and children of the Ahl al-Bayt, led by Lady Zaynab (peace be upon her), were taken prisoner and subjected to a harsh, humiliating journey through hostile cities. Despite the immense pain, Lady Zaynab remained unwavering, protecting the remaining family members and delivering the message of Imam Hussain’s (a) martyrdom with strength and clarity.

What empowered her to carry out these twin responsibilities – caregiving and truth-telling – was her deep, unshakable sabr (patience). This patience was not merely passive endurance, but active resilience rooted in profound faith. Islam consistently emphasises sabr as a spiritual and moral necessity, especially when faced with oppression, injustice, or grief.

Among the verses that beautifully capture this Islamic ideal of sabr is a passage from Surah al-Nahl, reminding believers that patience must be sustained through and by God. It is in this divine connection that Muslims can find meaning, resolve, and dignity in their suffering.

وَاصْبِرْ وَمَا صَبْرُكَ إِلَّا بِاللَّهِ وَلَا تَحْزَنْ عَلَيْهِمْ وَلَا تَكُ فِي ضَيْقٍ مِمَّا يَمْكُرُونَ ﴿١٢٧﴾ إِنَّ اللَّهَ مَعَ الَّذِينَ اتَّقَوْا وَالَّذِينَ هُمْ مُحْسِنُونَ ﴿١٢٨﴾

“So be patient. Your patience is only with Allah. Do not grieve over them, and do not be distressed by their schemes. Indeed, Allah is with those who are mindful of Him and those who do good.” (Qur’an 16:127–128)

Relevance of These Verses in Our Time

In today’s world of constant emotional pressure, polarisation, and rising Islamophobia, Muslims – especially those living in Western societies – need spiritual tools to remain firm and resilient. The Qur’anic concept of sabr is not just about endurance; it is about maintaining integrity and remaining constructive under pressure. These verses remind us that true patience is not self-sufficiency but rooted in reliance on Allah (صبرُكَ إِلَّا بِاللَّهِ).

Approaching the Qur’an not only provides comfort but offers guidance for responding to hardship with clarity, grace, and purpose. These messages are crucial for every segment of the Muslim community including young people navigating identity, parents building moral homes, and religious leaders shaping communal resilience.

Some of these messages are outlined here.

Educational Messages and Practical Challenges of These Verses for Teenagers and Youth:

Message 1: Rely on Allah When Facing Peer Pressure

The verse says: وَمَا صَبْرُكَ إِلَّا بِاللَّهِ – “Your patience is only with Allah.” In times when staying on the straight path feels lonely or difficult, know that real strength comes from your relationship with Allah SWT, not from fitting in.

Practical Challenge:

When you’re tempted to compromise your values to fit in, take five minutes to pray or reflect on this verse. Ask Allah for inner strength instead of outward approval.

Message 2: Turn Schemes into Stepping Stones

وَلَا تَكُ فِي ضَيْقٍ مِمَّا يَمْكُرُونَ – “Do not be distressed by their schemes.” This part speaks directly to young Muslims facing discrimination, bullying, or stereotypes. Do not let negativity define your identity.

Practical Challenge:

Identify one negative label society may attach to Muslims and write a short response or reflection transforming it into a strength. Share it on social media or with a friend.

Message 3: Be Patient for the Sake of Allah

Whenever you face difficulties, hardships, or setbacks in life, strive to practise patience not just out of habit or pressure, but for the sake of Allah SWT. Intending to please Him through your perseverance strengthens your resilience and multiplies the spiritual reward. Allah never lets sincere effort go to waste – “Indeed, Allah does not allow the reward of the righteous to be lost.” (Qur’an 9:120)

Practical Challenge:

The next time you feel frustrated or overwhelmed, pause, take a deep breath, and say quietly to yourself: “O Allah, I’m doing this for You.” Reflect on how your patience connects you to Him.

Message 4: Respond to Harsh Words with Wisdom and Trust in Allah – The Legacy of Lady Zaynab (S.A.)

When you are faced with cruel or deceitful words, hold back from reacting in anger. After the tragedy of ʿĀshūrāʾ, Lady Zaynab (S.A.) stood in the court of Yazīd with unshakable composure, wisdom, and full trust in Allah SWT. She answered harshness not with rage, but with truth, strength, and faith, showing us, that dignity is preserved through calmness and tawakkul. Her example teaches us that when you place your trust in Allah, you rise above insults and mischief.

Practical Challenge:

This week, if someone provokes or mocks you, pause and reflect on the response of Lady Zaynab (S.A.). Recite “حَسْبُنَا اللَّهُ وَنِعْمَ الْوَكِيلُ” (“Allah is sufficient for us, and He is the best disposer of affairs”) before replying – or respond with silence and grace.

Message 5: Taqwa Strengthens Patience in Times of Hardship

God-consciousness (taqwa) is one of the key foundations and pre-requirements that helps you remain patient in the face of life’s trials and difficulties. When you are mindful of Allah SWT, you realise that hardships are part of a bigger plan and not merely random suffering. Taqwa reminds you to stay focused on what pleases Allah SWT rather than reacting with despair. It empowers you to respond with faith and maturity, even when it’s tough.

Practical Challenge:

This week, choose one personal difficulty – big or small – and consciously respond to it through the lens of taqwa. Before reacting, recite: “إِنَّا لِلَّهِ وَإِنَّا إِلَيْهِ رَاجِعُونَ” “Indeed, we belong to Allah, and to Him we shall return.”

Then write down in a journal (or phone note) how you can respond in a way that pleases Allah, rather than what your emotions first urge you to do.

Message 6: Patience Turns the Schemes of Others Against Themselves

When people plot against you or speak ill behind your back, your most powerful response is patience for the sake of Allah SWT. If you remain calm, sincere, and steadfast, their schemes will eventually collapse and reflect upon them. This is a promise from Allah: He defends those who are patient and upright. Patience in such moments is not weakness; it is strength powered by trust in your Lord.

Practical Challenge:

The next time someone tries to provoke you or harm your reputation, take a step back and ask Allah to take care of your affairs. Avoid retaliating and make duʿāʾ instead.

Educational Messages and Practical Challenges of These Verses for Parents:

Message 7: Model Resilient Parenting Through Taqwa

Patience in parenting goes beyond staying calm, it means embodying taqwa (God-consciousness) in moments of tension. The Qur’an says: “إِنَّ اللَّهَ مَعَ الَّذِينَ اتَّقَوْا”

When children see their parents respond to challenges with spiritual composure, they learn that faith isn’t just preached, it’s lived. Your restraint, when grounded in taqwa, quietly becomes their blueprint for resilience.

Practical Challenge:

When facing a difficult parenting moment this week such as frustration or defiance, pause, take a breath, and gently recite this verse aloud. Let your children witness you turning to Allah ﷻ before reacting. This is how hearts are shaped.

Message 8: Turn Family Struggles into Moments of Worship

Not all acts of worship require a prayer mat. When you hold back anger, speak kindly despite stress, or listen patiently to your child’s frustration, you are worshipping through character. Trusting Allah turns mundane struggles into sacred growth. Teach your children that every effort to do the right thing is seen and rewarded by Allah even if it goes unnoticed by others.

Practical Challenge:

Choose one daily parenting difficulty this week (e.g. bedtime, screen time) and consciously reframe it as an act of worship. Say “Ya Allah, I do this for You,” before handling it with patience.

Message 9: Teach Children Emotional Resilience Through Dhikr

Children often mirror how we handle stress. Teach them that turning to Allah gives the heart strength. Show your children that true strength comes from humility before Allah. When they see you doing dhikr or making duʿāʾ in tough moments, they learn that emotional regulation can be sacred.

Practical Challenge:

This week, teach your child a short dhikr (like “Hasbiyallahu”) and encourage them to say it when they’re feeling anxious, upset, or overwhelmed. Recite it with them during a shared moment of calm.

Educational Messages and Practical Challenges of These Verses for Imams and Religious Leaders:

Message 10: Teach Patience as Empowerment, Not Passivity

Patience in Islam is an active quality. Imams must teach that sabr isn’t about accepting injustice, it’s about confronting it with wisdom and strength, like Lady Zaynab (s) did.

Practical Challenge:

Deliver one khutbah this month dedicated to the active forms of sabr demonstrated by the Ahl al-Bayt and connect it to community struggles today.

Message 11: Build Mosques That Support the Spiritually Weary

A mosque should be more than a place of ritual; it must be a sanctuary for the spiritually burdened. Those who walk in tired, confused, or wounded by life must walk out feeling seen, encouraged, and renewed. Like the Qur’anic verse describes those moved to tears and humility by Divine truth, our mosques should foster that same spiritual tenderness.

Practical Challenge:

This week, assess one way your mosque could better support those who are struggling (e.g. pastoral counselling, quiet prayer space, or youth drop-in hours). Start a conversation with your team about how to implement it.