Hadith #190

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

The provided Hadith of Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) highlights the virtue of exercising forbearance and the rewards that come with it. Let us delve into the deeper meaning of this Hadith and explore its significance in light of the Quran.

The key word in this Hadith is (haleem) "حَلِيمِ", which translates to "forbearing" or "patient." This attribute refers to the ability to remain calm and composed in the face of adversity or ignorance. Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) teaches us that the first reward a person receives for exercising forbearance is that people become their helpers against the ignorant.

To understand the profound wisdom behind this Hadith, we can turn to the Quran for guidance. Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) repeatedly emphasizes the importance of patience and forbearance in various verses. For example, in Surah Al-Baqarah (2:153), Allah says,

O you who have believed, seek help through patience and prayer. Indeed, Allah is with the patient.

This verse highlights that patience and forbearance are qualities that bring us closer to Allah and enable us to overcome challenges. When we exercise patience, we demonstrate our trust in Allah's plan and rely on His guidance. Consequently, Allah grants us His support and assistance, as mentioned in the Hadith.

Furthermore, in Surah Al-A'raf (7:199), Allah says,

Take what is given freely, enjoin what is good, and turn away from the ignorant.

This verse encourages us to respond to ignorance with kindness, wisdom, and patience. By doing so, we not only distance ourselves from the ignorant but also inspire others to follow our example.

Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) exemplified this virtue throughout his life. His unparalleled knowledge and wisdom allowed him to respond to ignorance with patience and understanding. One notable example is the incident of the man who continuously insulted and provoked Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ). Despite the man's disrespectful behavior, Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) remained calm and composed, refusing to engage in a heated argument. This display of forbearance not only disarmed the man but also won the hearts of those witnessing the encounter.

The rewards of exercising forbearance extend beyond the immediate situation. When we respond to ignorance with patience, we create an environment where others are inspired to support and assist us. People are drawn to those who possess the virtue of forbearance, as it reflects strength of character and a deep understanding of the teachings of Islam.

In conclusion, the Hadith of Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) teaches us the immense rewards that come with exercising forbearance. By remaining patient and composed in the face of ignorance, we not only please Allah but also gain the support and assistance of those around us. Let us strive to embody this noble virtue in our daily lives, following the example of Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) and seeking Allah's pleasure. May Allah grant us the strength to exercise forbearance and may He bless us with His guidance and mercy.