Hadith #8102

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 beloved Prophet Muhammad (ﷺ), his pure progeny, and his noble companions.

The Arabic Hadith of Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) states, "ضادُّوا الغَضَبَ بِالحِلْمِ۔" This can be translated as

Counter anger with forbearance.

Let us delve into the meaning of the key words in this Hadith. "ضادُّوا" is derived from the root word "ضاد" which means to counter or oppose. "الغَضَبَ" refers to anger, a strong emotion that can lead to negative consequences if not controlled. And "الحِلْمِ" means forbearance or patience, which is the ability to remain calm and composed in the face of provocation or adversity.

To understand the significance of this Hadith, we turn to the Quran, which provides guidance on the importance of controlling anger and responding with patience. Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) says in Surah Al-Imran (3:134),

Those who spend [in the cause of Allah] during ease and hardship and who restrain anger and who pardon the people - and Allah loves the doers of good.

This verse emphasizes the virtue of restraining anger and forgiving others, qualities that are exemplified in the concept of forbearance. It highlights the importance of controlling our emotions and responding to provocation with patience and understanding. By doing so, we not only earn the love of Allah, but we also contribute to a more harmonious and peaceful society.

Another verse that supports the message of this Hadith is found in Surah Ash-Shura (42:37), where Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) says,

And those who avoid the major sins and immoralities, and when they are angry, they forgive.

This verse encourages us to avoid major sins and immoralities, and specifically mentions forgiveness as a response to anger. It reminds us that forgiveness is a noble characteristic that should be cultivated within ourselves, as it leads to personal growth and spiritual elevation.

Now, let us reflect on the profound wisdom behind Imam Ali's statement. Anger is a natural human emotion, but if left unchecked, it can lead to harmful consequences. It can cloud our judgment, impair our relationships, and even lead to regrettable actions. However, by practicing forbearance, we can counter the negative effects of anger.

Forbearance allows us to maintain control over our emotions and respond to provocation with wisdom and patience. It enables us to rise above the situation and seek peaceful resolutions instead of escalating conflicts. By choosing forbearance, we demonstrate strength of character and a commitment to maintaining harmony in our interactions.

Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) was known for his immense knowledge and wisdom. His statement in this Hadith serves as a reminder to Muslims of the importance of mastering our emotions and responding to anger with forbearance. It is a call to emulate the noble qualities of the Ahl al-Bayt and to strive for personal growth and spiritual development.

In conclusion, the Hadith of Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) teaches us the valuable lesson of countering anger with forbearance. By restraining our anger and responding with patience and understanding, we can contribute to a more peaceful and harmonious society. Let us strive to embody this noble characteristic and seek the pleasure of Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) in all our interactions. May Allah grant us the strength to control our anger and respond with forbearance.