Hadith #2875

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

The provided Hadith of Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) highlights two important qualities of a person: forbearance and nobility. Let us delve into the meanings of these words and explore their significance in light of the Quran.

Firstly, let us understand the meaning of "forbearance" or (hilm) "حِلْمِ" in Arabic. Hilm refers to the ability to remain calm and patient in the face of adversity, to control one's anger and impulses, and to exercise self-restraint. It is a quality that enables a person to endure hardships and difficulties without losing composure. The word "tolerance" in the translation captures the essence of hilm, as it implies the ability to endure and bear with patience.

The second important word in the Hadith is "nobility" or (nubl) "نُبْلِ". Nubl refers to the quality of being generous, kind-hearted, and benevolent. It encompasses acts of charity, kindness, and bestowing favors upon others. It is a quality that reflects the inherent goodness and magnanimity of a person's character.

To further understand the significance of these qualities, let us turn to the Quran for guidance. Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) says in Surah Al-Imran (3:134):

Those who spend [in the cause of Allah] during ease and hardship and who restrain anger and who pardon the people - and Allah loves the doers of good.

This verse emphasizes the importance of forbearance and generosity. It encourages believers to spend in the way of Allah, to control their anger, and to forgive others. By doing so, they demonstrate their hilm and nubl, and earn the love and pleasure of Allah.

Another verse that highlights the significance of forbearance is found in Surah Al-Furqan (25:63), where Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) describes the qualities of the servants of the Most Merciful:

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

This verse teaches us that the true servants of Allah are those who respond to ignorance and harshness with peace and tranquility. They exhibit hilm by remaining calm and composed, even in the face of provocation.

Now, let us reflect on the impactful message of Imam Ali's (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) Hadith. The Imam states that a person's forbearance can be recognized through their abundant tolerance, and their nobility can be seen through their abundant benefactions. This means that the true measure of a person's character lies in their ability to endure difficulties with patience and to consistently engage in acts of kindness and generosity.

For example, a person who remains calm and patient in the face of insults or mistreatment demonstrates their hilm. They choose not to react impulsively or seek revenge, but instead respond with kindness and forgiveness. Similarly, a person who consistently engages in acts of charity, helps those in need, and bestows favors upon others showcases their nubl.

Imam Ali's (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) Hadith serves as a reminder for Muslims to cultivate these noble qualities in their own lives. By embodying forbearance and nobility, we not only improve our own character but also contribute to the betterment of society. Our ability to remain patient and kind-hearted in the face of challenges and our willingness to extend a helping hand to those in need are actions that are beloved to Allah.

In conclusion, the Hadith of Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) emphasizes the importance of forbearance and nobility in a person's character. Through their abundant tolerance and benefactions, individuals can demonstrate these qualities. By referring to the Quranic verses, we understand the significance of these qualities and their rewards in the sight of Allah. As Muslims, let us strive to embody these virtues in our daily lives and follow the example set by Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) and the teachings of the Quran. May Allah grant us the strength and guidance to do so.