Hadith #8125

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 provided Hadith of Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) states,

لايَقُومُ عِزُّ الغَضَبِ بِذُلِّ الاِعْتِذارِ۔

This can be translated as,

The glory of anger does not match the humility of seeking pardon.

Let us delve into the deeper meaning of this impactful saying in light of the Quran.

Firstly, let us understand the key words in this Hadith. The word (izzu) "عِزُّ" refers to glory, honor, or pride. It signifies a sense of power and superiority. (al-ghadab) "الغَضَبِ" means anger, wrath, or rage. It is a strong emotion that can cloud one's judgment and lead to negative consequences. (dhulli) "ذُلِّ" means humility, submission, or humbleness. It represents the act of acknowledging one's mistakes and seeking forgiveness. (al-i'thār) "الاِعْتِذارِ" means seeking pardon or apologizing.

To understand the significance of this Hadith, let us turn to the Quran for guidance. Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) repeatedly emphasizes the importance of controlling anger and seeking forgiveness. In Surah Al-Imran, verse 134, Allah 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 virtue of restraining anger and forgiving others, which is in line with the message of Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) in the Hadith.

Furthermore, in Surah Al-Shura, verse 37, Allah advises Prophet Muhammad (ﷺ) to

repel evil with that which is better; and if there is between you and him enmity, then he will be as if he was a devoted friend.

This verse teaches us the importance of responding to anger and animosity with kindness and forgiveness. It encourages us to rise above our negative emotions and seek reconciliation.

Imam Ali's (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) statement in the Hadith highlights the stark contrast between the temporary satisfaction that may come from expressing anger and the long-lasting peace that can be attained through humility and seeking pardon. When we let anger consume us, we may feel a sense of power or superiority in the moment, but it ultimately leads to regret and strained relationships. On the other hand, when we humble ourselves and seek forgiveness, we not only mend our relationships but also attain spiritual growth and inner peace.

Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) was known for his wisdom and knowledge, and this Hadith reflects his deep understanding of human nature and the importance of controlling our emotions. He teaches us that true strength lies in our ability to control our anger and seek forgiveness, rather than succumbing to the temporary satisfaction of expressing our rage.

In conclusion, the Hadith of Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) reminds us of the importance of humility and seeking pardon, as opposed to indulging in anger and pride. It aligns with the teachings of the Quran, which emphasize the virtues of forgiveness and controlling our emotions. As Muslims, we should strive to follow the example of Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) and seek forgiveness, as it leads to inner peace, stronger relationships, and the pleasure of Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ). May Allah guide us all to embody these noble qualities and grant us the strength to control our anger and seek forgiveness.