Hadith #5547

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) states,

The best patience is abstaining from that which is loved [but prohibited].

This Hadith emphasizes the virtue of patience and self-control, particularly in refraining from indulging in things that are beloved to us but are forbidden in the eyes of Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ).

Let us delve deeper into the words of this Hadith to gain a comprehensive understanding. The word (sabr) "صَبْرُ" translates to "patience" or "endurance." It refers to the ability to remain steadfast in the face of difficulties, temptations, or desires. The word (almahboub) "المَحْبُوبِ" means

that which is loved

or "beloved." It signifies things or actions that hold a special place in our hearts and are cherished by us.

To comprehend the meaning of this Hadith, we can turn to the Quran for guidance. Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) says in Surah Al-Imran (3:135):

And those who, when they commit an immorality or wrong themselves, remember Allah and seek forgiveness for their sins - and who can forgive sins except Allah? - and [who] do not persist in what they have done while they know.

This verse highlights the importance of seeking forgiveness from Allah when we commit sins or wrong ourselves. It requires patience and self-control to abstain from repeating those actions that are beloved to us but are prohibited by Allah. The true test of our patience lies in our ability to resist the temptation and refrain from indulging in what is forbidden.

Furthermore, in Surah Al-A'raf (7:200), Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) advises us,

And if an evil suggestion comes to you from Satan, then seek refuge in Allah. Indeed, He is Hearing and Knowing.

This verse reminds us that when we are faced with temptations or desires, we should seek refuge in Allah and exercise patience by resisting the urge to engage in sinful actions.

Imam Ali's (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) Hadith encourages us to exercise self-control and patience by abstaining from that which is beloved to us but prohibited by Allah. It serves as a reminder that true patience is not only about enduring hardships but also about restraining ourselves from indulging in sinful desires.

For instance, a person may have a strong inclination towards a particular sin, such as backbiting or consuming alcohol. Despite the love they may have for these actions, true patience lies in refraining from them for the sake of Allah's pleasure. This requires a deep understanding of the consequences of our actions and a sincere desire to please Allah.

The consequences of practicing this type of patience are manifold. Firstly, it strengthens our relationship with Allah and increases our taqwa (God-consciousness). By resisting the temptations of the worldly desires, we demonstrate our commitment to following the path of righteousness. This, in turn, leads to spiritual growth and a closer connection with our Creator.

Secondly, practicing patience in abstaining from prohibited actions helps us develop self-discipline and control over our desires. It trains us to prioritize our long-term spiritual goals over short-term gratification. This self-control extends beyond the specific actions mentioned in the Hadith and encompasses all aspects of our lives, enabling us to make better choices and avoid harmful behaviors.

Lastly, this type of patience serves as a form of worship and a means of seeking closeness to Allah. By sacrificing our desires for His sake, we demonstrate our love and obedience to Him. This act of self-restraint becomes a source of reward and a means of purification for our souls.

In conclusion, the Hadith of Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) teaches us the virtue of patience in abstaining from that which is beloved but prohibited. It emphasizes the importance of self-control and the ability to resist temptations and desires that go against the commandments of Allah. By exercising this type of patience, we strengthen our relationship with Allah, develop self-discipline, and seek His pleasure. May Allah grant us the strength to practice this form of patience and guide us on the path of righteousness.