Hadith #2822

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:

أَغْضِ عَلَى الْقَذَى، وإلاّ لَمْ تَرْضَ أبَداً۔

This can be translated as

Bear [the actions of others] with patience, otherwise you will never be pleased.

This beautiful saying of Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) emphasizes the importance of patience and forbearance in dealing with the actions of others.

Let us delve deeper into the meaning of the key words in this Hadith. The word (aghdi) "أَغْضِ" comes from the root word (ghadda) "غَضَّ", which means to bear, tolerate, or be patient. It implies restraining oneself from reacting impulsively or negatively towards the actions or behavior of others. The word (al-qadha) "الْقَذَى" refers to the actions or deeds of others that may cause annoyance, harm, or discomfort.

To understand the significance of this Hadith, we can turn to the Quran for guidance. Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) repeatedly emphasizes the virtue of patience and forbearance. In Surah Al-Baqarah, verse 153, Allah says,

O you who have believed, seek help through patience and prayer. Indeed, Allah is with the patient.

This verse highlights the importance of patience as a means of seeking assistance from Allah in times of difficulty.

Furthermore, in Surah Al-Isra, verse 37, Allah says,

And do not walk upon the earth exultantly. Indeed, you will never tear the earth [apart], and you will never reach the mountains in height.

This verse reminds us of the limitations of our power and the need to exercise patience and humility in our interactions with others. By bearing the actions of others with patience, we demonstrate our recognition of our own limitations and our trust in Allah's wisdom and justice.

Imam Ali's (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) statement also highlights the consequences of failing to exercise patience. If we allow ourselves to be easily provoked or offended by the actions of others, we will never find true contentment or satisfaction. Our happiness and peace of mind will always be at the mercy of external factors, making it impossible for us to experience lasting fulfillment.

To illustrate the significance of this Hadith, let us consider an example. Imagine a person who is constantly irritated by the behavior of their colleagues at work. They become easily angered and frustrated, leading to a toxic work environment and strained relationships. However, if this person follows the advice of Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) and bears the actions of their colleagues with patience, they can maintain a calm and peaceful demeanor. This will not only improve their own well-being but also contribute to a more harmonious and productive work environment.

In conclusion, the Hadith of Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) serves as a reminder for Muslims to cultivate patience and forbearance in their interactions with others. By restraining ourselves from reacting impulsively or negatively to the actions of others, we demonstrate our trust in Allah's wisdom and justice. This practice leads to inner peace and contentment, allowing us to navigate the challenges of life with grace and dignity. May Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) grant us the strength to bear the actions of others with patience and guide us on the path of righteousness.