Hadith #2853

In the name of Allah, the Most Gracious, the Most Merciful. May peace and blessings be upon the Prophet Muhammad (ﷺ), his purified progeny, and his noble companions.

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

حُسْنُ الحِلْمِ دَليلُ وُفُورِ العِلْمِ۔

This can be translated as,

Virtuous forbearance is a sign of abundant knowledge.

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

Firstly, let us understand the key words in this Hadith. "حُسْنُ الحِلْمِ" refers to virtuous forbearance or patience. It signifies the ability to remain calm, composed, and patient in the face of adversity, difficulties, or provocations. This forbearance is not simply a passive acceptance of circumstances, but rather a virtuous quality that stems from a deep understanding of the situation and a conscious choice to respond with patience and wisdom.

The second key word is "وُفُورِ العِلْمِ" which translates to abundant knowledge. This refers to a comprehensive and profound understanding of various aspects of knowledge. It encompasses both religious and worldly knowledge, and signifies a deep awareness and insight into the complexities of life.

To further understand the significance of virtuous forbearance as a sign of abundant knowledge, let us turn to the Quran for guidance. 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 highlights the importance of restraining anger and forgiving others, which are essential components of virtuous forbearance. It emphasizes that those who possess this quality are indeed the doers of good, and they are beloved by Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ).

Furthermore, in Surah Al-Furqan (25:63), Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) describes the characteristics of the servants of the Most Merciful, saying,

And the servants of the Most Merciful are those who walk upon the earth easily, and when the ignorant address them [harshly], they say [words of] peace.

This verse emphasizes the importance of responding to ignorance and harshness with words of peace. It highlights the virtue of remaining calm and composed in the face of provocation, which is a manifestation of virtuous forbearance.

Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ), known for his immense knowledge and wisdom, teaches us through this Hadith that virtuous forbearance is not a sign of weakness, but rather a sign of abundant knowledge. It requires a deep understanding of the situation, the ability to control one's emotions, and the wisdom to respond in a manner that promotes peace and harmony.

When faced with challenging circumstances, a person with abundant knowledge and virtuous forbearance does not react impulsively or aggressively. Instead, they take a step back, assess the situation, and respond with patience, wisdom, and kindness. Their actions are guided by their profound understanding of the consequences and the desire to uphold the principles of justice, compassion, and mercy.

This Hadith serves as a reminder for Muslims to cultivate the quality of virtuous forbearance in their lives. It encourages us to seek knowledge and wisdom, not only in religious matters but also in various aspects of life. By doing so, we can develop the ability to remain patient and composed in the face of challenges, and respond in a manner that reflects our deep understanding and commitment to the teachings of Islam.

In conclusion, the Hadith of Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) teaches us that virtuous forbearance is a sign of abundant knowledge. It emphasizes the importance of remaining patient, calm, and composed in the face of adversity, and responding with wisdom and kindness. By embodying this virtue, we can strive to become individuals who are beloved by Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) and who contribute to the betterment of society. May Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) grant us the ability to develop virtuous forbearance and increase our knowledge for His sake.