Hadith #2858

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 the Prophet Muhammad (ﷺ), his pure progeny, and his noble companions.

The Hadith of Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) states,

Espouse forbearance for verily it is the fruit of knowledge.

This beautiful Hadith highlights the importance of patience and tolerance, emphasizing that these qualities are the result of true knowledge. Let us delve deeper into the meanings of the key words in this Hadith and explore their significance in light of the Quran.

Firstly, let us examine the word (forbearance) "حِلْمِ" in the Hadith. It refers to the ability to remain calm and composed in the face of adversity, to control one's anger, and to exercise patience and tolerance. The concept of forbearance is emphasized in numerous verses of the Quran, such as in Surah Al-Imran (3:134), where Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) says,

And those who restrain anger and pardon the people - and Allah loves the doers of good.

This verse highlights the importance of restraining anger and forgiving others, which are essential components of forbearance.

The Hadith further states that forbearance is

the fruit of knowledge.

Here, the word (knowledge) "عِلْمِ" refers to deep understanding and wisdom. True knowledge is not merely the accumulation of facts, but rather the ability to apply that knowledge in a beneficial and righteous manner. The Quran emphasizes the importance of knowledge in numerous verses, such as in Surah Al-Zumar (39:9), where Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) says,

Are those who know equal to those who do not know?

This verse highlights the superiority of those who possess knowledge over those who are ignorant.

Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) teaches us that forbearance is the fruit of knowledge because true knowledge enables us to understand the consequences of our actions and to respond to challenges with patience and wisdom. Knowledge allows us to see beyond the immediate situation and consider the long-term effects of our choices. It enables us to empathize with others, to understand their perspectives, and to respond to them with kindness and compassion.

For example, when faced with a difficult situation, a person with knowledge and wisdom will not react impulsively or aggressively. Instead, they will exercise forbearance by taking a step back, analyzing the situation, and responding in a calm and measured manner. They will consider the potential consequences of their actions and choose the path that leads to the greatest benefit for themselves and others. This is the fruit of knowledge - the ability to navigate through challenges with wisdom and patience.

Furthermore, forbearance is not limited to our interactions with others, but also extends to our relationship with Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ). It is through knowledge that we understand the attributes of Allah and His divine wisdom. We recognize that everything happens according to His plan, and we submit to His will with patience and trust. This is beautifully expressed in Surah Al-Baqarah (2:153), where Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) says,

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

In conclusion, the Hadith of Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) teaches us the importance of forbearance, which is the fruit of true knowledge. Through knowledge, we gain the wisdom to respond to challenges with patience and understanding. We recognize that forbearance is not a sign of weakness, but rather a manifestation of strength and wisdom. It allows us to navigate through the complexities of life with grace and resilience. May Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) grant us the knowledge and wisdom to embody forbearance in our lives, and may we strive to cultivate this noble quality for the betterment of ourselves and the Muslim ummah.