How Can a Muslim Balance Sabr and the Right to Self-Defence?

I don’t use social media much, but like a lot of folks, I sometimes end up scrolling through feeds and seeing stuff that bothers me. Lately, I keep noticing videos and stories of Muslims being verbally and physically hurt in different places around the world. I’ve been living in the UK since 2019, and I’ve grown quite worried about how visible racist and anti-Muslim talk has become. It often seems like authorities are slow to respond, some media outlets don’t cover these incidents properly, and even well-off Muslims hardly ever use their position to support regular Muslims who face abuse. What really gets to me is watching videos where a Muslim is attacked and doesn’t seem to know how to defend themselves. Then the comments usually either cheer the attacker or just tell the victim to have *sabr*. This made me think: does Allah and our beloved Prophet ﷺ teach us to simply be patient while being harmed, or does Islam allow us to protect ourselves? I know *sabr* is highly rewarded, but does that mean we should never defend ourselves or our families? Are we meant to accept every insult and attack just because we’re Muslims, and wait for justice in the Hereafter? In my view, I want my family to be able to go out without fear. If they ever face verbal or physical abuse, I want them to know how to safeguard themselves, and do it in a lawful way. I don’t want us to mix up patience with doing nothing. I truly feel Muslims should put more effort into self-defence classes, staying fit, and building confidence-not to look for trouble, but to guard themselves, their families, and others if they’re ever left with no other choice. And for any authorities or law enforcement who might read this: promoting lawful self-defence isn’t wrong. Learning to keep yourself and your family safe within the law is completely fair. If people aren’t properly protected when they’re targeted for their race or religion, that’s a big failing that needs attention.