Hadith #7361

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 Arabic Hadith of Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) states, "العِلْمُ مَرْكَبُ الحِلْمِ" which translates to

Knowledge is the riding mount of forbearance.

Let us delve into the meaning of this Hadith in light of the Quran.

The word (knowledge) "عِلْمُ" refers to the acquisition of information, understanding, and wisdom. It encompasses both religious and worldly knowledge. Knowledge is a treasure that empowers individuals, enlightens their minds, and guides them towards the path of righteousness. It is a means through which we can comprehend the signs of Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) and fulfill our purpose in life.

The term (riding mount) "مَرْكَبُ" signifies a means of transportation or a vehicle that carries a person from one place to another. In this context, it symbolizes the role of knowledge as a vehicle that enables individuals to navigate through the challenges of life and reach their destination of success and righteousness.

The word (forbearance) "حِلْمِ" refers to patience, self-control, and the ability to remain calm and composed in the face of adversity. It is a quality that allows individuals to control their emotions and respond to difficult situations with wisdom and restraint.

The Hadith highlights the inseparable connection between knowledge and forbearance. It emphasizes that knowledge serves as the riding mount or vehicle that carries forbearance. In other words, knowledge is the foundation upon which forbearance is built. It is through knowledge that individuals acquire the understanding and wisdom necessary to exercise forbearance in their lives.

The Quran provides numerous verses that support the wise message of this Hadith. Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) says in Surah Al-Baqarah (2:153),

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

This verse highlights the importance of patience and its connection to seeking help from Allah. It implies that knowledge is required to understand the significance of patience and to implement it effectively in our lives.

Furthermore, in Surah Al-Asr (103:3), Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) states,

Except for those who have believed and done righteous deeds and advised each other to truth and advised each other to patience.

This verse emphasizes the importance of patience and its role in guiding individuals towards truth and righteousness. It implies that knowledge is necessary to understand and advise others towards patience.

The Hadith of Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) reminds us that knowledge is not merely an accumulation of facts, but rather a means to develop forbearance. It teaches us that true knowledge is not limited to intellectual pursuits, but encompasses the ability to exercise patience, self-control, and wisdom in all aspects of life.

When individuals possess knowledge, they are better equipped to face challenges and adversities with patience and composure. They are able to make informed decisions, resolve conflicts peacefully, and navigate through the complexities of life with grace and wisdom. Knowledge empowers individuals to overcome their own weaknesses and to extend forbearance towards others, fostering harmony and unity within society.

In conclusion, the Hadith of Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) beautifully encapsulates the profound relationship between knowledge and forbearance. It reminds us that knowledge is not an end in itself, but a means to develop the virtue of forbearance. By seeking knowledge and applying it in our lives, we can ride the mount of forbearance and navigate through the challenges of life with wisdom, patience, and grace. May Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) grant us the wisdom and understanding to acquire knowledge and embody the virtue of forbearance in our lives.