Hadith #7152

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 provided Hadith of Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) states,

With intellect, forbearance [and judiciousness] becomes abundant.

This thought-provoking saying highlights the importance of intellect in cultivating the virtue of forbearance. Let us delve into the deeper meaning of this Hadith in light of the Quran.

The word (intellect) "عَقْلِ" in this Hadith refers to the faculty of reasoning, understanding, and discernment. It is through the proper use of intellect that one can attain wisdom and make sound judgments. Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) has blessed human beings with intellect as a means to distinguish between right and wrong, truth and falsehood.

The term (forbearance) "حِلْمُ" in this Hadith denotes patience, self-control, and the ability to remain calm in the face of adversity. It is a quality that allows individuals to control their anger, forgive others, and respond to challenging situations with wisdom and composure. Forbearance is a virtue highly praised in Islam, as it leads to harmonious relationships and the resolution of conflicts.

The Hadith emphasizes that the abundance of forbearance is directly linked to the presence of intellect. Let us explore this concept further by examining relevant Quranic verses.

Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) says in Surah Al-Imran (3:159),

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 forbearance in dealing with others. The Prophet Muhammad (ﷺ) displayed immense forbearance and patience, even in the face of adversity, which ultimately led to the success of his mission.

In Surah Al-Hujurat (49:12), Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) advises the believers,

O you who have believed, avoid much [negative] assumption. Indeed, some assumption is sin. And do not spy or backbite each other. Would one of you like to eat the flesh of his brother when dead? You would detest it. And fear Allah; indeed, Allah is Accepting of repentance and Merciful.

This verse highlights the importance of forbearance in our interactions with others. It encourages us to avoid making negative assumptions and engaging in backbiting or spying, as these actions harm relationships and create discord among Muslims.

From these Quranic verses, we can infer that forbearance is a quality that Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) expects from all believers. It is through the proper use of intellect that one can develop and enhance this virtue. When individuals use their intellect to understand the consequences of their actions, to empathize with others, and to seek peaceful resolutions, they are more likely to exhibit forbearance.

Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ), known for his immense knowledge and wisdom, emphasizes the importance of intellect in cultivating forbearance. By using our intellect to understand the perspectives of others, to control our emotions, and to respond to challenging situations with wisdom, we can foster an environment of peace and harmony.

In conclusion, the Hadith of Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) teaches us that with intellect, forbearance becomes abundant. By using our intellect to understand the consequences of our actions and to respond to challenges with wisdom, we can cultivate the virtue of forbearance. This quality is essential for maintaining harmonious relationships and resolving conflicts within the Muslim community. May Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) grant us the wisdom and forbearance to navigate through life's challenges with grace and patience.