Hadith #9253

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,

مَنْ كَظَمَ غَيْظَهُ كَمُلَ حِلْمُهُ۔

This translates to,

Whoever suppresses his anger, his forbearance becomes complete.

This Hadith emphasizes the importance of controlling one's anger and highlights the virtue of patience and forbearance.

To delve deeper into the meaning of this Hadith, let us analyze the key words. The word (kazama) "كَظَمَ" means to suppress or restrain, while (ghayzahu) "غَيْظَهُ" refers to anger or wrath. Lastly, (kamul) "كَمُلَ" signifies completion or perfection, and (hilmuhu) "حِلْمُهُ" refers to forbearance or patience.

The Quran provides us with numerous verses that emphasize the importance of controlling anger and practicing patience. For instance, in Surah Al-Imran (3:134), Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) says,

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

This verse highlights the significance of restraining anger and forgiving others, which aligns perfectly with the message of Imam Ali's Hadith. By suppressing our anger and exhibiting patience, we not only fulfill the command of Allah, but we also attain a higher level of forbearance and spiritual growth.

Another verse that supports the exegesis of this Hadith is found in Surah Ash-Shura (42:43), where Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) states,

And whoever is patient and forgives - indeed, that is of the matters [requiring] determination.

This verse emphasizes that patience and forgiveness are qualities that require determination and strength of character. By restraining our anger and choosing to forgive, we demonstrate our ability to overcome our base desires and elevate our souls.

Imam Ali's Hadith serves as a practical guide for Muslims in dealing with anger. It teaches us that suppressing our anger leads to the completion of our forbearance. When we control our anger, we are able to respond to provocation with patience, wisdom, and kindness. This not only prevents us from engaging in harmful actions or hurtful words but also allows us to maintain harmonious relationships with others.

The consequences of practicing this Hadith are profound. By suppressing our anger, we avoid the negative consequences that anger can bring, such as damaging relationships, causing harm to ourselves or others, and clouding our judgment. Instead, we cultivate a sense of inner peace and tranquility, which enables us to navigate through challenging situations with grace and wisdom.

Moreover, the practice of suppressing anger and developing forbearance aligns with the teachings of Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ), who was renowned for his vast knowledge and wisdom. His ability to control his anger in the face of adversity and his patience in dealing with difficult circumstances serve as an exemplary model for Muslims to follow.

In conclusion, the Hadith of Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) teaches us the importance of suppressing our anger and cultivating forbearance. By restraining our anger, we attain a higher level of patience and spiritual growth. The Quranic verses mentioned provide further support for this exegesis, emphasizing the significance of controlling anger and practicing forgiveness. May Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) grant us the strength and wisdom to implement this Hadith in our lives and may He bless us with complete forbearance.