Hadith #7272

In the name of Allah, the Most Gracious, the Most Merciful. Praise be to Allah, the Lord of all worlds. Blessings and peace be upon our beloved Prophet Muhammad (ﷺ), his pure progeny, the Ahl al-Bayt, and his noble companions.

The Hadith of Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) states,

Half of the intelligent one is tolerance and [the other] half is feigning negligence [when encountering the bad behavior of the ignorant].

This profound saying highlights the importance of two qualities: tolerance and feigning negligence. Let us delve deeper into the meanings of these words and explore their significance in light of the Quran.

The word "tolerance" in this Hadith is translated from the Arabic term (اِحْتِمالٌ) "ihtimal". It refers to the ability to endure, bear, and tolerate the actions or behavior of others, especially when they are ignorant or misguided. Tolerance is a virtue that requires patience, understanding, and empathy. It is an essential quality for individuals who seek to maintain harmonious relationships and promote unity within the Muslim community.

The second part of the Hadith speaks of "feigning negligence" which is translated from the Arabic term (تَغافُلٌ) "taghaful". This term refers to the act of pretending to be unaware or unconcerned about the bad behavior or ignorance of others. It does not imply genuine negligence or indifference, but rather a strategic approach to dealing with such situations. Feigning negligence allows one to maintain peace and avoid unnecessary conflicts, while also providing an opportunity for the ignorant to reflect on their actions and potentially rectify their behavior.

To understand the significance of these qualities, we can turn to the Quran for guidance. Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) repeatedly emphasizes the importance of patience and tolerance in various verses. In Surah Al-Baqarah, Allah says, (Quran 2:155)

And We will surely test you with something of fear and hunger and a loss of wealth and lives and fruits, but give good tidings to the patient

This verse reminds us that patience and tolerance are essential during times of hardship and adversity.

Furthermore, in Surah Al-Imran, Allah advises the believers, (Quran 3:133)

And hasten to forgiveness from your Lord and a garden as wide as the heavens and earth, prepared for the righteous

This verse encourages us to forgive and overlook the faults of others, demonstrating the importance of tolerance and forgiveness in our interactions with fellow Muslims.

Feigning negligence, as mentioned in the Hadith, can also be understood in the light of the Quran. In Surah Al-A'raf, Allah describes the righteous as those who (Quran 7:199)

repel evil with that which is better

This verse encourages us to respond to ignorance or bad behavior with kindness, wisdom, and good manners. By doing so, we can potentially influence others positively and guide them towards the path of righteousness.

The Hadith of Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) teaches us that true intelligence lies in the ability to exercise tolerance and feign negligence when faced with ignorance or bad behavior. By embodying these qualities, we can contribute to the betterment of our communities and promote a culture of understanding and compassion.

Practicing tolerance allows us to maintain peace and unity within the Muslim ummah, while feigning negligence provides an opportunity for the ignorant to reflect on their actions and potentially rectify their behavior. It is important to note that these qualities should not be mistaken for weakness or passivity. Rather, they are a manifestation of strength, wisdom, and the ability to control one's emotions.

In conclusion, the Hadith of Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) serves as a reminder for Muslims to cultivate the qualities of tolerance and feigning negligence. These virtues are rooted in the teachings of the Quran and are essential for maintaining harmonious relationships within the Muslim community. By embodying these qualities, we can contribute to the establishment of a just and compassionate society, reflecting the true teachings of Islam. May Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) grant us the wisdom and strength to embody these qualities in our daily lives.