Hadith #2814

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

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

مَنْ لَمْ يَتَحَلَّمْ لَمْ يَحْلُمْ

which can be translated as,

One who does not endeavor to act with forbearance does not become forbearing.

This Hadith emphasizes the importance of cultivating the quality of forbearance in our actions and behavior.

To understand the significance of this Hadith, let us first explore the meaning of the key words. (tahallam) "تَحَلَّمْ" is derived from the root word (hilm) "حَلَم", which means forbearance, patience, and tolerance. It refers to the ability to remain calm and composed in the face of difficulties, to control one's anger, and to respond to provocation with kindness and understanding.

The Hadith highlights the fact that true forbearance is not merely a passive quality, but rather an active endeavor. It requires conscious effort and self-discipline to respond to challenging situations with patience and understanding. By stating that

One who does not endeavor to act with forbearance does not become forbearing,

Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) is reminding us that forbearance is not innate, but rather a virtue that must be cultivated and practiced.

The importance of forbearance is emphasized in the Quran as well. Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) describes the believers as those who (Quran 3:134)

restrain anger and pardon others

This verse encourages Muslims to control their anger and forgive others, which are essential aspects of forbearance.

Another verse that supports the exegesis of this Hadith is found in Surah Al-Imran (3:159), where Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) says,

So by mercy from Allah, [O Muhammad], you were lenient with them. And if you had been rude [in speech] and harsh in heart, they would have disbanded from about you.

This verse highlights the importance of being gentle and forbearing in dealing with others. Prophet Muhammad (ﷺ) demonstrated this quality in his interactions with people, even in the face of adversity.

Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ), being the epitome of knowledge and wisdom, understood the significance of forbearance. He demonstrated this quality throughout his life, even in the most challenging circumstances. For example, during the Battle of Jamal, when faced with opposition and provocation, Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) displayed remarkable forbearance and refused to retaliate with aggression. His actions were guided by his deep understanding of the teachings of Islam and his commitment to upholding justice and peace.

The consequences of not practicing forbearance can be detrimental. When individuals fail to cultivate this virtue, they may respond to provocation with anger, aggression, and impatience. This can lead to strained relationships, conflicts, and a breakdown of harmony within society. On the other hand, when individuals strive to act with forbearance, they contribute to a peaceful and harmonious environment, fostering understanding, forgiveness, and reconciliation.

Reflecting on this Hadith, Muslims are reminded of the importance of actively cultivating the quality of forbearance in their lives. It is not enough to simply possess knowledge or understanding; one must also strive to implement these qualities in their actions and interactions with others. By doing so, we can contribute to a more compassionate and tolerant society, in line with the teachings of Islam.

In conclusion, the Hadith of Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) emphasizes the significance of actively endeavoring to act with forbearance. It reminds Muslims of the importance of cultivating this quality and highlights the consequences of failing to do so. By drawing upon the teachings of the Quran and the example of Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ), we are encouraged to strive towards becoming forbearing individuals, contributing to a more peaceful and harmonious society. May Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) grant us the ability to embody this noble virtue in our lives.