Hadith #2855

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 Hadith of Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) states, "رَأْسُ العِلْمِ الحِلْمُ۔" This can be translated as,

The cornerstone of knowledge is forbearance.

In this beautiful Hadith, Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) highlights the importance of forbearance in acquiring knowledge.

Let us delve into the meaning of the key words in this Hadith. (ras) "رَأْسُ" means "cornerstone" or "foundation." It signifies the fundamental aspect upon which something is built. (al-'ilm) "العِلْمِ" refers to knowledge, encompassing both religious and worldly knowledge. And finally, (al-hilm) "الحِلْمُ" means forbearance, patience, and tolerance.

To understand the significance of forbearance as the cornerstone of knowledge, we can turn to the Quran for guidance. Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) repeatedly emphasizes the importance of patience and forbearance in various contexts. For example, in Surah Al-Baqarah (2:153), Allah says,

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

This verse highlights the connection between patience and seeking assistance from Allah in times of difficulty.

Furthermore, in Surah Al-Imran (3:200), Allah reminds us,

O you who have believed, persevere and endure and remain stationed and fear Allah that you may be successful.

Here, Allah encourages believers to persevere and endure in the face of challenges, which requires patience and forbearance.

Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) emphasizes that forbearance is the cornerstone of knowledge because it enables individuals to approach learning with an open mind and a humble heart. When one possesses forbearance, they are able to listen attentively, consider different perspectives, and engage in constructive dialogue. This quality allows individuals to absorb knowledge more effectively and to benefit from the wisdom of others.

Moreover, forbearance in the pursuit of knowledge leads to a harmonious and respectful learning environment. It fosters a culture of understanding, empathy, and tolerance among students and scholars. When individuals approach knowledge with forbearance, they are more likely to engage in healthy discussions, exchange ideas, and build bridges of understanding.

On the other hand, a lack of forbearance can hinder the acquisition of knowledge. Impatience, intolerance, and a closed-minded attitude can prevent individuals from truly benefiting from the wisdom and insights of others. It can lead to a stagnant and narrow-minded approach to learning, limiting one's intellectual growth and understanding.

In conclusion, the Hadith of Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) reminds us that forbearance is the cornerstone of knowledge. By embodying this quality, we can approach the pursuit of knowledge with humility, open-mindedness, and respect. We should strive to cultivate forbearance in our hearts and minds, allowing us to benefit from the diverse perspectives and insights that knowledge offers. May Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) grant us the wisdom to seek knowledge with forbearance and to apply it in our lives.