Hadith #2180

In the name of Allah, the Most Gracious, the Most Merciful. May 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 the importance of wisdom and prudence in dealing with anger and gratitude. Let us delve into the exegesis of this impactful Hadith.

The key words in this Hadith are (the judicious person) "الحازِمُ", (delays) "يُؤَخِّرُ", (meting out punishment) "العُقُوبَةَ", (under the yoke of anger) "سُلْطانِ الغَضَبِ", (expedites) "يُعَجِّلُ", (repayment) "مُكافاةَ", (favours) "الإحْسانِ", and (taking advantage of the available opportunity) "إغْتِناماً".

To understand the deeper meaning of this Hadith, we can turn to the Quran for guidance. Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) says in Surah Al-Imran (3:134),

Those who spend [in Allah's cause] 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 restraining anger and forgiving others, even in difficult situations. It teaches us that a judicious person is one who controls their anger and refrains from hastily meting out punishment. Instead, they exercise patience and delay punishment, allowing for a more measured and just response.

Furthermore, the Quran encourages us to be grateful for the favors bestowed upon us. In Surah An-Nahl (16:18), Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) says,

And if you should count the favors of Allah, you could not enumerate them. Indeed, Allah is Forgiving and Merciful.

This verse reminds us of the countless blessings and favors that Allah has bestowed upon us. It is incumbent upon us to express gratitude for these favors and to repay them promptly. The judicious person, as mentioned in the Hadith, expedites the repayment of favors, seizing the opportunity to show appreciation and gratitude.

Imam Ali's (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) statement serves as a profound reminder for Muslims. It teaches us that wisdom lies in controlling our anger and delaying punishment, allowing for a more just and measured response. By doing so, we can avoid hasty and regrettable actions that may exacerbate conflicts or harm others.

Additionally, the Hadith emphasizes the importance of promptly repaying favors and expressing gratitude. It reminds us that the opportunity to repay a favor may not always be available, and therefore, we should seize the moment to show appreciation and gratitude to those who have been kind to us.

In conclusion, the Hadith of Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) provides valuable guidance on the virtues of wisdom, patience, and gratitude. It urges us to exercise restraint in moments of anger and to delay punishment, allowing for a more just and measured response. Furthermore, it reminds us to promptly repay favors and express gratitude, seizing the opportunity to show appreciation for the blessings bestowed upon us. May Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) grant us the wisdom to implement these teachings in our lives and to be among those who are judicious in their actions.