As-Saboor (الصَّبُور) is usually translated as “the Patient” or “the Forbearing”: the One who does not hasten to punish, and who gives people time to turn back to Him. It is related to sabr, the patience that believers are asked to practise, but as a name of Allah it describes His perfect forbearance, which is unlike human patience. This guide explains the meaning of As-Saboor, where it comes from, what the Qur’an and authentic hadith say, and what it teaches us.
What Does As-Saboor Mean?
As-Saboor comes from the Arabic root ص ب ر (sad-ba-ra), the root of sabr: restraint, endurance and steadfastness. When the root describes people, it means holding back from panic, complaint or wrongdoing in difficult times. When As-Saboor describes Allah, it means that He does not rush to punish those who disobey Him, even though He is fully able to.
For the meaning of patience as a human quality, see our explanation of Sabr in Islam.
Is As-Saboor in the Qur’an?
The name As-Saboor is not found in the Qur’an. It is the final name in the list of 99 names narrated in Jami` at-Tirmidhi 3507, where the Sunnah.com translation renders it “the Tolerant (Aṣ-Ṣabūr)”. The chain of that list is graded Da’if (weak) by Darussalam on Sunnah.com, so scholars differ over whether every name in it is established.
The meaning of the name is, however, clearly supported by the Qur’an and by an authentic hadith.
Allah Defers People for a Term (16:61)
“And if Allāh were to impose blame on the people for their wrongdoing, He would not have left upon it [i.e., the earth] any creature, but He defers them for a specified term. And when their term has come, they will not remain behind an hour, nor will they precede [it].”
— Qur’an 16:61, Saheeh International
The verse shows Allah’s forbearance: He does not immediately take people to account, but gives them time.
As-Saboor in Authentic Hadith
The Prophet ﷺ described Allah’s patience directly:
“None is more patient than Allah against the harmful and annoying words He hears (from the people): They ascribe children to Him, yet He bestows upon them health and provision”
— Sahih al-Bukhari 7378 (narrated by Abu Musa Al-Ash‘ari; Sunnah.com does not display a separate grading for this collection)
Even those who say what is false about Allah continue to receive health and provision from Him. This is the meaning of As-Saboor in action.
Patience in the Life of the Believer
Allah’s forbearance invites believers to practise patience themselves. The Qur’an says:
“O you who have believed, seek help through patience and prayer. Indeed, Allāh is with the patient.”
— Qur’an 2:153, Saheeh International
For practical guidance, see how to practise Sabr in everyday life and Sabr during difficult times.
Practical Lessons from As-Saboor
Do Not Mistake Delay for Approval
Qur’an 16:61 explains that Allah defers people for a term. Editorial reflection. The fact that wrongdoing is not punished immediately is a chance to repent, not a sign that it does not matter.
Return to Allah While There Is Time
Allah’s forbearance is a mercy. Reflecting on As-Saboor can encourage us to seek forgiveness and change course sooner rather than later.
Be Forbearing with Others
If Allah is patient with those who say harmful things about Him, believers can aim to be patient with those who test their patience, while still standing up for what is right.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is As-Saboor the same as Sabr?
They share the same root. Sabr is patience as a quality people practise. As-Saboor describes Allah’s perfect forbearance, which is not like human patience: it involves no weakness, frustration or need.
Is As-Saboor one of the 99 Names of Allah?
It is the last name in the list narrated by at-Tirmidhi, whose chain is graded weak, so scholars differ over which names in that list are established. Its meaning is supported by the Qur’an and by Sahih al-Bukhari 7378.
As-Saboor in Arabic Calligraphy
Our As-Saboor calligraphy design presents the name as a printable artwork, and our 99 Names of Allah print shows all the names together. Both are instant digital downloads supplied as high-resolution JPEG files for printing at home or at a local print shop; no physical item is shipped. Custom designs can be requested. You may also like our Sabr wall art.
