Hadith #5606

In the name of Allah, the Most Gracious, the Most Merciful. Praise be to Allah, the Lord of all worlds. May peace and blessings be upon our beloved Prophet Muhammad (ﷺ), his pure progeny, and his noble companions.

The Arabic Hadith of Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) states,

طُولُ الاِصْطِبارِ مِنْ شِيَمِ الأبْرارِ۔

This can be translated as,

Per during patience is the quality of the virtuous.

Let us delve into the significance of this Hadith in light of the Quran.

The word (istibar) "اِصْطِبارِ" in this Hadith refers to patience, endurance, and steadfastness. It is derived from the root word (sabar) "صَبَرَ", which means to remain firm and composed in the face of difficulties and trials. Patience is a virtue that is highly regarded in Islam, as it demonstrates one's trust in Allah's wisdom and decree.

Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) emphasizes the importance of patience in numerous verses of the Quran. In Surah Al-Baqarah, Allah says, (Quran 2:155-156)

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'

This verse highlights the reward and virtue of those who remain patient during times of hardship.

Another verse that emphasizes the significance of patience is found in Surah Al-Imran, where Allah says, (Quran 47:31)

And We will surely test you until We make evident those who strive among you [for the cause of Allah] and the patient, and We will test your affairs

This verse reminds us that tests and trials are a part of life, and it is through patience that we can demonstrate our sincerity and dedication to Allah.

Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) highlights the elevated status of patience in this Hadith. He states that (per during patience) "طُولُ الاِصْطِبارِ" is a quality that belongs to the virtuous. This implies that true virtue is not merely measured by external actions or appearances, but rather by one's ability to remain patient and steadfast in the face of challenges.

The virtue of patience can be seen in the life of Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) himself. He endured numerous trials and tribulations throughout his life, yet he remained steadfast in his faith and commitment to Allah. His patience was evident during the Battle of Uhud, where he displayed unwavering courage and resilience despite being severely injured.

The consequences of practicing patience are manifold. Firstly, it strengthens our relationship with Allah, as it demonstrates our complete reliance on Him and our acceptance of His decree. Secondly, it enables us to maintain a calm and composed demeanor, allowing us to make rational decisions in times of difficulty. Thirdly, it serves as a source of inspiration and guidance for others, as they witness our unwavering faith and trust in Allah.

Reflecting on this Hadith, we are reminded of the importance of cultivating patience in our lives. We should strive to emulate the example of Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) and remain steadfast in the face of trials and tribulations. By doing so, we not only attain the quality of the virtuous but also strengthen our relationship with Allah and inspire those around us.

May Allah grant us the ability to practice patience and grant us the strength to endure hardships with grace and resilience. Ameen.