Hadith #2827

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 pure progeny, and his noble companions.

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

إنَّ أفْضَلَ أخْلاقِ الرِّجالِ الحِلْمُ۔

This can be translated as,

Verily the best of characteristics of men is forbearance.

Let us delve into the meaning of some important words in this Hadith. The word (afdhal) "أفضل" means the best or the most excellent. (akhlaq) "أخلاق" refers to the moral qualities or character traits of an individual. And (al-hilm) "الحلم" means forbearance, patience, or tolerance.

The concept of forbearance is emphasized in the Quran as well. Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) says in Surah Al-Imran (3:134),

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 highlights the importance of controlling one's anger and forgiving others, which are integral aspects of forbearance.

Furthermore, in Surah Al-A'raf (7:199), Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) says,

Take what is given freely, enjoin what is good, and turn away from the ignorant.

This verse encourages us to respond to ignorance and wrongdoing with patience and wisdom, rather than reacting impulsively.

Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) emphasizes that forbearance is the best characteristic of men. This means that displaying patience, tolerance, and self-control in the face of adversity or provocation is a noble trait that distinguishes individuals and elevates their character.

Forbearance is not a sign of weakness, but rather a manifestation of strength and wisdom. It requires one to exercise self-restraint, to overcome personal desires and impulses, and to respond to challenging situations with grace and composure. By practicing forbearance, individuals can maintain harmonious relationships, diffuse conflicts, and promote a peaceful and just society.

Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) himself was a paragon of knowledge and wisdom. His deep understanding of the Quran and his ability to apply its teachings in his daily life exemplify his exceptional character. He demonstrated forbearance in numerous instances, even in the face of severe adversity and injustice.

One such example is the incident of the arbitration during the Battle of Siffin. Despite being the rightful successor to the Prophet (ﷺ) and having a clear understanding of the truth, Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) agreed to arbitration to prevent further bloodshed among the Muslims. This decision showcased his forbearance, as he prioritized the unity and well-being of the Ummah over personal grievances.

The consequences of practicing forbearance are far-reaching. It fosters a culture of understanding, compassion, and empathy. It allows individuals to build bridges of communication and resolve conflicts amicably. It also enables the development of strong and enduring relationships based on trust and mutual respect.

In conclusion, the Hadith of Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) highlights the importance of forbearance as the best characteristic of men. This virtue is not only praised in the teachings of Islam but is also exemplified by the actions of our beloved Prophet Muhammad (ﷺ) and his noble companions. By embodying forbearance in our lives, we can strive to emulate the noble qualities of our Prophet (ﷺ) and the Ahl al-Bayt (عَلَيْهِمُ ٱلسَّلَامُ), and contribute to the betterment of society as a whole. May Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) grant us the strength and wisdom to practice forbearance in all aspects of our lives.