Hadith #7469

In the name of Allah, the Most Gracious, the Most Merciful. All praise is due to Allah, the Lord of all the worlds. May peace and blessings be upon our beloved Prophet Muhammad (ﷺ), his purified progeny, and his noble companions.

The Arabic Hadith of Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) states,

نِعْمَ قَرينُ الحِلْمِ الْعِلْمُ۔

This can be translated as,

How good a companion of forbearance knowledge is!

In this beautiful saying, Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) highlights the importance and virtue of combining two essential qualities: forbearance (حِلْمِ) and knowledge (عِلْمُ).

Let us delve deeper into the meanings of these words. "حِلْمِ" refers to forbearance, patience, and self-restraint. It is the ability to control one's emotions and reactions in the face of adversity, provocation, or ignorance. It is a quality that allows one to remain calm, composed, and understanding, even in the most challenging situations. "عِلْمُ" refers to knowledge, understanding, and wisdom. It encompasses both religious and worldly knowledge, acquired through learning and reflection.

The combination of forbearance and knowledge is highly praised in Islam, as it leads to numerous benefits and blessings. Let us explore the Quranic verses that support this exegesis:

1. Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) says in Surah Al-Furqan, verse 63:

And the servants of the Most Merciful are those who walk upon the earth in humility, and when the ignorant address them [harshly], they say [words of] peace.

This verse emphasizes the importance of responding to ignorance and harshness with peace and forbearance. It is through knowledge that one can recognize the value of patience and respond in a manner that promotes understanding and harmony.

2. In Surah Al-Qasas, verse 54, Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) says,

And when the people of Pharaoh threatened him [Musa] with torment, he said, 'Indeed, I have sought refuge in my Lord and your Lord from every arrogant one who does not believe in the Day of Account.'

This verse highlights the wisdom and knowledge of Prophet Musa (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) in responding to the threats of Pharaoh. Despite the arrogance and hostility, Musa (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) displayed forbearance and sought refuge in Allah, relying on his knowledge and trust in the Divine.

Now, let us reflect on the wise message of Imam Ali's (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) Hadith. The combination of forbearance and knowledge is essential for Muslims in navigating the challenges of life. Knowledge alone is not enough; it must be accompanied by forbearance to truly benefit oneself and others.

When faced with ignorance, hostility, or adversity, a person who possesses both forbearance and knowledge can respond in a manner that promotes understanding, compassion, and peace. They have the ability to control their emotions, avoid unnecessary conflicts, and seek solutions based on wisdom and understanding.

Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ), known for his immense knowledge and wisdom, exemplified this combination throughout his life. His patience and forbearance were evident in his dealings with his opponents, even in the face of great injustices. He would respond to ignorance with knowledge, guiding people towards the truth and enlightening their hearts.

The consequences of embodying this combination are far-reaching. It fosters a harmonious society where individuals respect and understand one another. It allows for the dissemination of knowledge in a peaceful and effective manner, leading to personal growth and the betterment of society as a whole.

As Muslims, we are encouraged to cultivate both forbearance and knowledge in our lives. We should strive to increase our knowledge through seeking education, studying the Quran and the teachings of the Prophet Muhammad (ﷺ), and reflecting upon the wisdom of the Ahl al-Bayt (عَلَيْهِمُ ٱلسَّلَامُ). Simultaneously, we must develop the quality of forbearance, practicing patience, and self-restraint in our interactions with others.

In conclusion, the Hadith of Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) reminds us of the importance of combining forbearance and knowledge. It is through this combination that we can navigate the challenges of life, respond to ignorance with wisdom, and contribute to the establishment of a harmonious and enlightened society. May Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) grant us the ability to embody these qualities and benefit from their blessings.