IslamIQ Pro
Get the app (opens in a new tab)

Sahih al-Bukhari · 8 narrations

Hadith about patience

The Prophet ﷺ taught that real patience is shown at the first stroke of a calamity, and that no one is given a blessing better or greater than patience. These narrations from Sahih al-Bukhari speak of holding steady through loss, illness and hardship, each with a plain-English note.

Fact-checked by the IslamIQ Pro team (AI-assisted) on

Sahih al-Bukhari 1302

Book of Funerals (Al-Janaa'iz)

حَدَّثَنَا مُحَمَّدُ بْنُ بَشَّارٍ، حَدَّثَنَا غُنْدَرٌ، حَدَّثَنَا شُعْبَةُ، عَنْ ثَابِتٍ، قَالَ سَمِعْتُ أَنَسًا ـ رضى الله عنه ـ عَنِ النَّبِيِّ صلى الله عليه وسلم قَالَ ‏ "‏ الصَّبْرُ عِنْدَ الصَّدْمَةِ الأُولَى ‏"‏‏.‏

Narrated Anas:

The Prophet (ﷺ) said, "The real patience is at the first stroke of a calamity."

What it teaches

This hadith teaches that the most meritorious and effective form of patience is to remain steadfast and composed immediately upon encountering a calamity or distressing news, before one's initial shock gives way to uncontrolled grief or complaint.

In plain words

The Prophet Muhammad (PBUH) taught that true patience is demonstrated right at the very beginning of a difficult event or loss. It means controlling one's emotions and reactions immediately when faced with a shock, rather than giving in to despair or complaint later. This initial composure is what truly counts as patience in the sight of Allah ﷻ.

Where it applies

  • Receiving news of a death
  • Experiencing a sudden financial loss
  • Dealing with unexpected illness
  • Facing a sudden personal setback
  • Responding to a natural disaster

Sahih al-Bukhari 5646

Book of Patients

حَدَّثَنَا قَبِيصَةُ، حَدَّثَنَا سُفْيَانُ، عَنِ الأَعْمَشِ،‏.‏ حَدَّثَنِي بِشْرُ بْنُ مُحَمَّدٍ، أَخْبَرَنَا عَبْدُ اللَّهِ، أَخْبَرَنَا شُعْبَةُ، عَنِ الأَعْمَشِ، عَنْ أَبِي وَائِلٍ، عَنْ مَسْرُوقٍ، عَنْ عَائِشَةَ ـ رضى الله عنها ـ قَالَتْ مَا رَأَيْتُ أَحَدًا أَشَدَّ عَلَيْهِ الْوَجَعُ مِنْ رَسُولِ اللَّهِ صلى الله عليه وسلم‏.‏

Narrated Aisha:

I never saw anybody suffering so much from sickness as Allah's Messenger (ﷺ).

What it teaches

This hadith teaches that Prophet Muhammad (PBUH), despite his elevated status, experienced profound physical suffering during illness, serving as a profound example of patience and endurance in the face of extreme hardship and pain. It also indicates that trials and tribulations can be intense even for the most beloved of Allah ﷻ, providing solace and perspective for believers facing their own difficulties.

In plain words

Aisha (RA) observed that Prophet Muhammad (PBUH) endured more severe pain and suffering from sickness than anyone else she had ever witnessed. This narration highlights the intense physical trials Prophet Muhammad (PBUH) experienced during his illnesses. It demonstrates that even the most beloved of Allah ﷻ can face profound physical hardship.

Where it applies

  • Dealing with severe illness
  • Experiencing intense physical pain
  • Seeking inspiration during sickness
  • Understanding the trials of prophets
  • Coping with physical hardship

Sahih al-Bukhari 1252

Book of Funerals (Al-Janaa'iz)

حَدَّثَنَا آدَمُ، حَدَّثَنَا شُعْبَةُ، حَدَّثَنَا ثَابِتٌ، عَنْ أَنَسِ بْنِ مَالِكٍ ـ رضى الله عنه ـ قَالَ مَرَّ النَّبِيُّ صلى الله عليه وسلم بِامْرَأَةٍ عِنْدَ قَبْرٍ وَهِيَ تَبْكِي فَقَالَ ‏ "‏ اتَّقِي اللَّهَ وَاصْبِرِي ‏"‏‏.‏

Narrated Anas bin Malik:

The Prophet (ﷺ) passed by a woman who was sitting and weeping beside a grave and said to her, "Fear Allah and be patient."

What it teaches

This hadith teaches the paramount importance of exercising patience (sabr) and maintaining consciousness of Allah ﷻ (taqwa) during times of profound sorrow and loss, such as mourning a deceased loved one.

In plain words

A woman was weeping at a grave when Prophet Muhammad (PBUH) passed by. He advised her to remember Allah's ﷻ might and to endure her grief with patience.

Where it applies

  • Coping with the death of a loved one
  • Experiencing deep sorrow or grief
  • Seeking guidance during personal tragedy
  • Advising someone in distress

Sahih al-Bukhari 1297

Book of Funerals (Al-Janaa'iz)

حَدَّثَنَا مُحَمَّدُ بْنُ بَشَّارٍ، حَدَّثَنَا عَبْدُ الرَّحْمَنِ، حَدَّثَنَا سُفْيَانُ، عَنِ الأَعْمَشِ، عَنْ عَبْدِ اللَّهِ بْنِ مُرَّةَ، عَنْ مَسْرُوقٍ، عَنْ عَبْدِ اللَّهِ ـ رضى الله عنه ـ عَنِ النَّبِيِّ صلى الله عليه وسلم قَالَ ‏ "‏ لَيْسَ مِنَّا مَنْ ضَرَبَ الْخُدُودَ، وَشَقَّ الْجُيُوبَ، وَدَعَا بِدَعْوَى الْجَاهِلِيَّةِ ‏"‏‏.‏

Narrated `Abdullah:

The Prophet (ﷺ) said, "He who slaps the cheeks, tears the clothes and follows the tradition of the Days of Ignorance is not from us."

What it teaches

This hadith teaches Muslims the importance of patience and self-restraint when facing loss or hardship. It specifically prohibits excessive and destructive displays of grief, such as self-harm (slapping cheeks), damaging property (tearing clothes), and engaging in wailing or lamentation practices that contradict Islamic teachings and resemble the customs of the pre-Islamic era.

In plain words

The Prophet Muhammad (PBUH) stated that those who express extreme grief by slapping their cheeks, tearing their clothes, or lamenting in the manner of pre-Islamic ignorance are not following his way. This teaches Muslims to maintain patience and composure during times of sorrow.

Where it applies

  • Death of a family member
  • Experiencing a significant personal loss
  • Attending a funeral
  • Coping with tragedy
  • Managing intense sorrow

Sahih al-Bukhari 1152

Book of Prayer at Night (Tahajjud)

حَدَّثَنَا عَبَّاسُ بْنُ الْحُسَيْنِ، حَدَّثَنَا مُبَشِّرٌ، عَنِ الأَوْزَاعِيِّ،‏.‏ وَحَدَّثَنِي مُحَمَّدُ بْنُ مُقَاتِلٍ أَبُو الْحَسَنِ، قَالَ أَخْبَرَنَا عَبْدُ اللَّهِ، أَخْبَرَنَا الأَوْزَاعِيُّ، قَالَ حَدَّثَنِي يَحْيَى بْنُ أَبِي كَثِيرٍ، قَالَ حَدَّثَنِي أَبُو سَلَمَةَ بْنُ عَبْدِ الرَّحْمَنِ، قَالَ حَدَّثَنِي عَبْدُ اللَّهِ بْنُ عَمْرِو بْنِ الْعَاصِ ـ رضى الله عنهما ـ قَالَ قَالَ لِي رَسُولُ اللَّهِ صلى الله عليه وسلم ‏ "‏ يَا عَبْدَ اللَّهِ، لاَ تَكُنْ مِثْلَ فُلاَنٍ، كَانَ يَقُومُ اللَّيْلَ فَتَرَكَ قِيَامَ اللَّيْلِ ‏"‏‏.‏ وَقَالَ هِشَامٌ حَدَّثَنَا ابْنُ أَبِي الْعِشْرِينَ، حَدَّثَنَا الأَوْزَاعِيُّ، قَالَ حَدَّثَنِي يَحْيَى، عَنْ عُمَرَ بْنِ الْحَكَمِ بْنِ ثَوْبَانَ، قَالَ حَدَّثَنِي أَبُو سَلَمَةَ، مِثْلَهُ‏.‏ وَتَابَعَهُ عَمْرُو بْنُ أَبِي سَلَمَةَ عَنِ الأَوْزَاعِيِّ،‏.‏

Narrated `Abdullah bin `Amr bin Al-`As:

Allah's Messenger (ﷺ) said to me, "O `Abdullah! Do not be like so and so who used to pray at night and then stopped the night prayer."

What it teaches

This hadith teaches that a Muslim should strive for consistency and perseverance in their acts of worship and good deeds. It specifically warns against abandoning a righteous practice, such as night prayer, once it has become a regular part of one's spiritual routine.

In plain words

The Prophet Muhammad (PBUH) advised `Abdullah bin `Amr bin Al-`As (RA) against abandoning a good deed, specifically night prayer, after having regularly performed it. This highlights the importance of maintaining consistency in acts of worship.

Where it applies

  • A Muslim considering stopping a regular act of worship
  • Someone struggling to maintain consistency in their religious practices
  • Individuals seeking guidance on spiritual discipline
  • A person who used to perform a good deed but has now stopped

Sahih al-Bukhari 1381

Book of Funerals (Al-Janaa'iz)

حَدَّثَنَا يَعْقُوبُ بْنُ إِبْرَاهِيمَ، حَدَّثَنَا ابْنُ عُلَيَّةَ، حَدَّثَنَا عَبْدُ الْعَزِيزِ بْنُ صُهَيْبٍ، عَنْ أَنَسِ بْنِ مَالِكٍ ـ رضى الله عنه ـ قَالَ قَالَ رَسُولُ اللَّهِ صلى الله عليه وسلم ‏ "‏ مَا مِنَ النَّاسِ مُسْلِمٌ يَمُوتُ لَهُ ثَلاَثَةٌ مِنَ الْوَلَدِ لَمْ يَبْلُغُوا الْحِنْثَ إِلاَّ أَدْخَلَهُ اللَّهُ الْجَنَّةَ بِفَضْلِ رَحْمَتِهِ إِيَّاهُمْ ‏"‏‏.‏

Narrated Anas bin Malik:

Allah's Messenger (ﷺ) (p.b.u.h) said, "Any Muslim whose three children died before the age of puberty will be granted Paradise by Allah because of His mercy to them."

What it teaches

This hadith teaches that Allah ﷻ grants Paradise to Muslim parents who endure the immense grief of losing three children before they reach the age of accountability (puberty). It highlights Allah's ﷻ profound mercy and compassion for those who face such a severe trial, offering a great reward as solace for their loss and patience.

In plain words

This hadith conveys a profound message of hope and divine mercy for Muslim parents. It states that if a Muslim experiences the death of three of their children before those children reach the age of puberty, Allah ﷻ will admit that parent into Paradise. This is granted as a special act of Allah's ﷻ mercy towards both the children and the grieving parents.

Where it applies

  • A Muslim parent grieving the loss of multiple young children.
  • Seeking comfort and hope after the death of a child.
  • Understanding the divine wisdom behind trials and tribulations.
  • Encouragement for those facing severe personal loss.

Sahih al-Bukhari 6458

Book of To make the Heart Tender (Ar-Riqaq)

حَدَّثَنَا مُحَمَّدُ بْنُ الْمُثَنَّى، حَدَّثَنَا يَحْيَى، حَدَّثَنَا هِشَامٌ، أَخْبَرَنِي أَبِي، عَنْ عَائِشَةَ ـ رضى الله عنها ـ قَالَتْ كَانَ يَأْتِي عَلَيْنَا الشَّهْرُ مَا نُوقِدُ فِيهِ نَارًا، إِنَّمَا هُوَ التَّمْرُ وَالْمَاءُ، إِلاَّ أَنْ نُؤْتَى بِاللُّحَيْمِ‏.‏

Narrated `Aisha:

A complete month would pass by during which we would not make a fire (for cooking), and our food used to be only dates and water unless we were given a present of some meat.

What it teaches

This hadith teaches about the profound simplicity, austerity, and patience that characterized the life of Prophet Muhammad (PBUH) and his family. It highlights their detachment from worldly comforts and their reliance on basic provisions, serving as an example of humility and contentment.

In plain words

This hadith, narrated by Aisha (RA), describes the simple living conditions in the household of Prophet Muhammad (PBUH). She states that sometimes an entire month would pass without them lighting a fire for cooking, meaning their primary sustenance was only dates and water, unless they received meat as a gift.

Where it applies

  • Experiencing financial hardship or poverty
  • Seeking to live a simpler life
  • Practicing patience during scarcity
  • Reflecting on the Prophet's (PBUH) lifestyle
  • Dealing with lack of food variety

Sahih al-Bukhari 1469

Book of Obligatory Charity Tax (Zakat)

حَدَّثَنَا عَبْدُ اللَّهِ بْنُ يُوسُفَ، أَخْبَرَنَا مَالِكٌ، عَنِ ابْنِ شِهَابٍ، عَنْ عَطَاءِ بْنِ يَزِيدَ اللَّيْثِيِّ، عَنْ أَبِي سَعِيدٍ الْخُدْرِيِّ ـ رضى الله عنه ـ أَنَّ نَاسًا مِنَ الأَنْصَارِ سَأَلُوا رَسُولَ اللَّهِ صلى الله عليه وسلم فَأَعْطَاهُمْ، ثُمَّ سَأَلُوهُ فَأَعْطَاهُمْ، حَتَّى نَفِدَ مَا عِنْدَهُ فَقَالَ ‏ "‏ مَا يَكُونُ عِنْدِي مِنْ خَيْرٍ فَلَنْ أَدَّخِرَهُ عَنْكُمْ، وَمَنْ يَسْتَعْفِفْ يُعِفَّهُ اللَّهُ، وَمَنْ يَسْتَغْنِ يُغْنِهِ اللَّهُ، وَمَنْ يَتَصَبَّرْ يُصَبِّرْهُ اللَّهُ، وَمَا أُعْطِيَ أَحَدٌ عَطَاءً خَيْرًا وَأَوْسَعَ مِنَ الصَّبْرِ ‏"‏‏.‏

Narrated Abu Sa`id Al-Khudri:

Some Ansari persons asked for (something) from Allah's Messenger (ﷺ) (p.b.u.h) and he gave them. They again asked him for (something) and he again gave them. And then they asked him and he gave them again till all that was with him finished. And then he said "If I had anything. I would not keep it away from you. (Remember) Whoever abstains from asking others, Allah will make him contented, and whoever tries to make himself self-sufficient, Allah will make him self-sufficient. And whoever remains patient, Allah will make him patient. Nobody can be given a blessing better and greater than patience."

What it teaches

This hadith teaches the profound virtues of self-restraint from asking others for help, striving for self-sufficiency, and cultivating patience, promising divine assistance and contentment for those who embody these qualities. It also highlights the Prophet Muhammad's (PBUH) exemplary generosity towards his companions.

In plain words

The Prophet Muhammad (PBUH) demonstrated immense generosity by giving to the Ansar until he had nothing left. He then taught that Allah ﷻ grants contentment to those who refrain from asking others, provides self-sufficiency to those who strive for it, and bestows patience upon those who endeavor to be patient, emphasizing patience as the greatest divine gift.

Where it applies

  • Facing financial hardship
  • Dealing with personal needs
  • Seeking inner peace
  • Developing resilience
  • Overcoming dependency

Free on iPhone and Android

Ask IslamIQ Pro your own question about patience.

Every answer cites the Quran verse or hadith it came from, and you can tap the citation to read it in full.

Download on theApp Store (opens in a new tab)Get it onGoogle Play (opens in a new tab)

More topics