Hadith #2859

In the name of Allah, the Most Gracious, the Most Merciful. All praise is due to Allah, the Lord of all the worlds. May peace and blessings be upon our beloved Prophet Muhammad (ﷺ), his purified progeny, and his noble companions.

The Hadith of Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) states,

Espouse forbearance for indeed it is a pleasing characteristic.

This Hadith emphasizes the importance of practicing forbearance, patience, and self-restraint in our interactions with others. Let us delve deeper into the meaning of this Hadith and explore its implications in the light of the Quran.

The word (hilm) "حِلْمِ" in this Hadith refers to forbearance, patience, and the ability to control one's anger or frustration. It is a quality that allows a person to remain calm and composed in the face of adversity or provocation. The word (mardiyyun) "مَرْضِيٌّ" means pleasing, agreeable, or commendable. Therefore, the Hadith is advising Muslims to adopt forbearance as a praiseworthy and commendable characteristic.

The Quran repeatedly emphasizes the importance of forbearance and patience. In Surah Al-Imran (3:134), Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) says,

Those 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 connection between spending in the cause of Allah and restraining anger, indicating that forbearance is an integral part of righteousness.

Furthermore, in Surah Al-Furqan (25:63), Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) describes the servants of the Most Merciful as those who

walk upon the earth easily, and when the ignorant address them [harshly], they say [words of] peace.

This verse demonstrates the importance of responding to ignorance and harshness with peace and tranquility, rather than reacting impulsively or aggressively.

The Hadith of Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) encourages Muslims to adopt forbearance as a characteristic that is pleasing to Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ). By practicing forbearance, we can maintain harmony in our relationships and contribute to a peaceful society. Forbearance allows us to control our emotions, avoid unnecessary conflicts, and respond to others with kindness and understanding.

Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) himself was the epitome of knowledge and wisdom. His remarkable knowledge of the Quran and his deep understanding of its teachings enabled him to exemplify forbearance in his own life. Despite facing numerous challenges and adversities, he remained patient and forgiving, setting a profound example for Muslims to follow.

When we practice forbearance, we create an environment of empathy and compassion. We learn to overlook the faults and shortcomings of others, focusing instead on building bridges of understanding and forgiveness. By doing so, we strengthen our relationships and foster unity within the Muslim community.

Moreover, forbearance has far-reaching consequences beyond our immediate interactions. It has the power to transform societies and bring about positive change. When we respond to aggression or injustice with forbearance, we inspire others to do the same. This ripple effect can lead to the resolution of conflicts, the promotion of justice, and the establishment of peace.

In conclusion, the Hadith of Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) urges Muslims to embrace forbearance as a commendable characteristic. By practicing forbearance, we align ourselves with the teachings of the Quran and the example of the Ahl al-Bayt (عَلَيْهِمُ ٱلسَّلَامُ). It is through forbearance that we can foster harmonious relationships, contribute to a peaceful society, and ultimately seek the pleasure of Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ). May Allah grant us the ability to embody this noble trait and may He bless us with His mercy and guidance.