Hadith #9248

In the name of Allah, the Most Gracious, the Most Merciful. Praise be to Allah, the Lord of all the 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,

اِكْظِمِ الغَيْظَ تَزْدَدْ حِلْماً۔

This can be translated as,

Suppress [your] anger and you will increase in forbearance.

This concise statement by Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) holds profound wisdom and guidance for Muslims in managing their emotions and cultivating patience.

Let us delve deeper into the words of this Hadith. The word (ikdhim) "اِكْظِمِ" is derived from the root word (kazama) "كَظَمَ", which means to suppress, control, or restrain. It implies the act of holding back or restraining oneself from expressing anger or frustration. The word (al-ghayz) "الغَيْظَ" refers to anger or wrath. And finally, (tazdad) "تَزْدَدْ" means to increase or grow.

To understand the significance of this Hadith, we can turn to the Quran for guidance. Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) repeatedly emphasizes the importance of controlling one's anger and responding with patience and forbearance. In Surah Al-Imran, verse 134, Allah says,

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 virtue of restraining anger and forgiving others, which is beloved to Allah.

Furthermore, in Surah Al-A'raf, verse 199, Allah advises the believers,

Take what is given freely, enjoin what is good, and turn away from the ignorant.

This verse encourages Muslims to respond to ignorance and provocation with patience and wisdom, rather than reacting impulsively out of anger. By doing so, we can maintain our composure and increase in forbearance.

Imam Ali's (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) Hadith reminds us that suppressing our anger leads to an increase in forbearance. When we control our anger and refrain from acting upon it, we develop the ability to remain calm and composed in difficult situations. This self-restraint allows us to think rationally and respond wisely, rather than being driven by our emotions.

Practicing restraint in the face of anger has numerous benefits. It prevents us from saying or doing things that we may later regret. It helps us maintain harmonious relationships with others, as we avoid unnecessary conflicts and arguments. Additionally, it allows us to embody the qualities of patience and forbearance, which are highly regarded in Islam.

Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ), known for his immense knowledge and wisdom, exemplified this teaching throughout his life. He demonstrated remarkable patience and forbearance, even in the most challenging circumstances. His ability to control his anger and respond with wisdom earned him the title of "Lion of Allah" and serves as an inspiration for Muslims to follow his example.

In conclusion, the Hadith of Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) teaches us the importance of suppressing our anger and increasing in forbearance. By restraining ourselves from acting upon our anger, we can cultivate patience, maintain harmonious relationships, and respond to challenges with wisdom. Let us strive to embody the teachings of this Hadith and follow the noble example of Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) in our daily lives. May Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) grant us the strength to control our anger and increase in forbearance.