Hadith #10712

In the name of Allah, the Most Gracious, the Most Merciful. Praise be 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 Hadith of Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) states,

The best person is he who shows forbearance if he is angered, forgives if he is oppressed, and does good [in return] if is wronged.

This Hadith emphasizes the virtues of patience, forgiveness, and responding to wrongdoing with kindness. Let us delve into the deeper meanings of these words and explore their significance in light of the Quran.

The first important word in this Hadith is (halum) "حَلُمَ", which translates to forbearance or patience. It refers to the ability to control one's anger and remain calm in the face of provocation. The Quran repeatedly emphasizes the importance of patience, as it is a quality that brings about numerous rewards and blessings. Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) says in Surah Al-Baqarah (2:153),

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

Patience is a characteristic of the righteous, and it is through patience that we can overcome challenges and attain closeness to Allah.

The second word to focus on is (ghafara) "غَفَرَ", which means to forgive. Forgiveness is a noble trait that Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) Himself possesses in abundance. In the Quran, Allah says in Surah An-Nur (24:22),

Let them pardon and overlook. Would you not love for Allah to forgive you? And Allah is Forgiving and Merciful.

Forgiving others not only reflects our own humility and compassion, but it also opens the doors of Allah's forgiveness for us. By forgiving those who have wronged us, we emulate the mercy and forgiveness of Allah.

The third word of significance is (ahsan) "أحْسَنَ", which means to do good or to respond in the best manner. This word highlights the importance of responding to wrongdoing with kindness and goodness. Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) commands in Surah Fussilat (41:34),

And not equal are the good deed and the bad. Repel [evil] by that [deed] which is better; and thereupon the one whom between you and him is enmity [will become] as though he was a devoted friend.

Responding to evil with goodness has the power to transform enemies into friends and promotes harmony and peace within society.

Imam Ali's (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) Hadith teaches us that the best among us are those who possess the qualities of patience, forgiveness, and responding to wrongdoing with goodness. These qualities are not easy to attain, but they are essential for personal growth and the betterment of society. When we exercise patience, we control our anger and avoid hasty actions or words that may cause harm. When we forgive those who have wronged us, we release ourselves from the burden of resentment and foster a spirit of compassion and understanding. And when we respond to wrongdoing with goodness, we break the cycle of negativity and promote a culture of kindness and righteousness.

The consequences of embodying these qualities are profound. By practicing forbearance, forgiveness, and responding with goodness, we not only elevate our own character but also inspire others to do the same. Our actions have a ripple effect, influencing those around us and creating a positive and harmonious environment. Moreover, by emulating the teachings of Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ), we honor his legacy as a paragon of knowledge, wisdom, and righteousness.

In conclusion, the Hadith of Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) reminds us of the importance of patience, forgiveness, and responding to wrongdoing with goodness. These qualities are deeply rooted in the teachings of the Quran, which repeatedly emphasizes the virtues of patience, forgiveness, and doing good. By embodying these qualities, we not only improve ourselves but also contribute to the betterment of society. May Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) grant us the strength to practice these virtues and follow in the footsteps of Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ).