Hadith #10975

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 provided Hadith of Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) emphasizes the importance of three noble attributes: humility, forbearance, and affability. Let us delve into the meanings of these words and explore their significance in light of the Quran.

Firstly, (tawāḍuʿ) "تَوَاضُعُ" translates to humility. It refers to the quality of being modest, unassuming, and showing humility towards others. In the Quran, Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) praises those who possess humility, stating in Surah Al-Furqan (25:63),

And the servants of the Most Merciful are those who walk upon the earth in humility.

This verse highlights the importance of humility in the conduct of believers.

Secondly, (ḥilm) "الحِلْمُ" translates to forbearance. It encompasses patience, self-restraint, and the ability to control one's anger or frustration. The Quran repeatedly emphasizes the virtue of forbearance. In Surah Al-A'raf (7:199), Allah says,

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

This verse encourages Muslims to respond to ignorance and adversity with patience and forbearance.

Lastly, (layn al-jānib) "لينُ الجانِبِ" translates to affability. It refers to being gentle, approachable, and having a friendly disposition towards others. The Quran encourages believers to adopt a kind and gentle approach in their interactions. In Surah Al-Imran (3:159), Allah addresses Prophet Muhammad (ﷺ) saying,

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 affability in winning the hearts of people and fostering unity.

Imam Ali's (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) statement emphasizes that these attributes are the most honorable qualities one can possess. Let us reflect on the profound implications of these attributes in our lives as Muslims.

Humility allows us to recognize our own weaknesses and limitations, enabling us to seek knowledge, guidance, and forgiveness from Allah. It also helps us to treat others with respect and empathy, fostering unity and harmony within the Muslim community.

Forbearance enables us to control our anger and respond to challenging situations with patience and wisdom. It allows us to resolve conflicts peacefully and maintain harmonious relationships with others. By exercising forbearance, we emulate the example set by the Prophet Muhammad (ﷺ) and the Ahl al-Bayt (عَلَيْهِمُ ٱلسَّلَامُ).

Affability, or having a gentle and friendly disposition, helps us to build bridges of understanding and compassion with others. It allows us to approach people with kindness, making them feel valued and respected. By embodying affability, we follow in the footsteps of the Prophet Muhammad (ﷺ) and the Ahl al-Bayt (عَلَيْهِمُ ٱلسَّلَامُ), who were known for their approachability and compassion towards all.

The consequences of embodying these attributes are far-reaching. Humility, forbearance, and affability not only enhance our personal character but also contribute to the betterment of society. They promote a culture of understanding, forgiveness, and unity among Muslims, fostering a sense of brotherhood and sisterhood.

In conclusion, the Hadith of Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) highlights the significance of humility, forbearance, and affability as the most honorable attributes. These qualities are emphasized in the Quran, and their practice leads to personal growth, harmonious relationships, and a more compassionate society. As Muslims, let us strive to embody these attributes in our daily lives, following the example of the Prophet Muhammad (ﷺ) and the Ahl al-Bayt (عَلَيْهِمُ ٱلسَّلَامُ). May Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) grant us the ability to cultivate these noble qualities and benefit from their blessings.