Hadith #2848

In the name of Allah, the Most Gracious, the Most Merciful. Praise be to Allah, the Lord of all worlds. Peace and blessings be upon Muhammad, his family, his companions, and the righteous successors.

The Arabic Hadith of Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) states, "بِالْكَظْمِ يَكُونُ الْحِلْمُ۔" This can be translated as,

It is through suppression [of anger] that forbearance comes about.

This impactful Hadith of Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) highlights the importance of controlling one's anger in order to cultivate patience and forbearance.

To understand the significance of this Hadith, let us delve into the meanings of the key words. "Kazm" refers to the act of suppressing or restraining something, in this case, anger. It implies not allowing anger to manifest in one's actions or words. "Hilm" is translated as forbearance, which is the ability to remain calm and patient in the face of provocation or adversity.

The Quran provides us with numerous verses that emphasize the importance of controlling anger and practicing forbearance. Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) says in Surah Al-Imran (3:134),

Those who spend [in Allah's cause] 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 restraining anger and performing acts of goodness, indicating that suppressing anger is a characteristic of the righteous.

Furthermore, in Surah Al-A'raf (7:199), Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) instructs the Prophet Muhammad (ﷺ) to

Show forgiveness, enjoin what is good, and turn away from the ignorant.

This verse demonstrates the importance of forgiveness and patience in dealing with those who may act in an ignorant or offensive manner.

Imam Ali's (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) Hadith teaches us that by suppressing our anger, we can develop forbearance. When we are able to control our anger, we are better equipped to handle difficult situations and interact with others in a calm and composed manner. This not only strengthens our character but also fosters harmonious relationships within our communities.

Suppression of anger requires self-discipline and self-awareness. It involves recognizing the triggers that provoke our anger and consciously choosing not to react impulsively. Instead, we should strive to respond with patience and understanding. By doing so, we can prevent conflicts from escalating and find peaceful resolutions.

Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) serves as an exemplary role model in this regard. His profound knowledge and wisdom enabled him to exercise exceptional self-control, even in the most challenging situations. He was known for his ability to remain calm and composed, even when faced with intense provocation. This quality of Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) is beautifully captured in this Hadith, reminding us of the importance of emulating his noble character.

In conclusion, the Hadith of Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) teaches us the significance of suppressing anger in order to cultivate forbearance. By restraining our anger and responding with patience, we can navigate through difficult situations with wisdom and grace. This Hadith aligns with the teachings of the Quran, which emphasize the virtues of controlling anger and practicing forgiveness. May Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) grant us the strength to suppress our anger and develop the noble quality of forbearance.