Hadith #5843

In the name of Allah, the Most Gracious, the Most Merciful. Praise be to Allah, the Lord of all the worlds. Peace and blessings be upon our beloved Prophet Muhammad (ﷺ), his pure Ahl al-Bayt, and his noble companions.

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

نِعْمَ قَرينُ الحِلْمِ الصَّمْتُ۔

This can be translated as,

How good a companion of forbearance silence is!

In this beautiful saying, Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) highlights the virtues of patience and silence.

Let us delve deeper into the meanings of the important words in this Hadith. (qareen) "قَرِينُ" refers to a companion or a close associate. (hilm) "الحِلْمِ" means forbearance or patience, which is the ability to remain calm and composed in the face of difficulties or provocations. (samt) "الصَّمْتُ" signifies silence, the act of refraining from speaking.

To understand the significance of this Hadith, we can turn to the Quran for guidance. Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) says in Surah Al-A'raf (7:199),

Take to forgiveness and enjoin what is good and turn away from the ignorant.

This verse emphasizes the importance of patience and forbearance in dealing with others. By remaining silent in the face of ignorance or provocation, we can maintain our composure and respond with wisdom and kindness.

Furthermore, Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) says in Surah Al-Isra (17:53),

And tell My servants to say that which is best. Indeed, Satan induces [dissension] among them. Indeed Satan is ever, to mankind, a clear enemy.

This verse encourages us to choose our words wisely and speak in a manner that is best and most beneficial. Sometimes, silence is the best response, as it prevents unnecessary arguments and misunderstandings.

Imam Ali's (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) statement highlights the profound wisdom in remaining silent when faced with challenging situations. By practicing forbearance and choosing silence, we can avoid escalating conflicts and maintain peace within ourselves and with others. This does not mean that we should remain silent in the face of injustice or oppression, but rather it emphasizes the importance of responding with wisdom and restraint.

For example, imagine a situation where someone insults you or tries to provoke you. Instead of responding with anger or harsh words, remaining silent allows you to maintain your dignity and respond in a more measured and thoughtful manner. This not only diffuses the situation but also prevents the exchange of hurtful words that may cause lasting damage to relationships.

Moreover, silence can also be a means of self-reflection and introspection. By refraining from speaking, we create space for contemplation and self-evaluation. This enables us to better understand our own emotions and thoughts, leading to personal growth and development.

In conclusion, Imam Ali's (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) Hadith highlights the virtues of patience and silence. It teaches us the importance of remaining calm and composed in challenging situations, and the wisdom in choosing our words carefully. By practicing forbearance and silence, we can maintain peace within ourselves and foster harmonious relationships with others. May Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) grant us the ability to embody these qualities and follow the teachings of Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ).