Hadith #9250

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 cornerstone of forbearance is suppression [of anger].

This thought-provoking Hadith highlights the importance of controlling one's anger in order to cultivate patience and forbearance. Let us delve deeper into the meaning of this Hadith and explore its significance in light of the Quran.

The word "hilm" in Arabic refers to forbearance, patience, and the ability to control one's anger. It is derived from the root word "halaam," which means to be calm and composed. This word is used to describe a person who possesses the virtue of patience and can restrain their anger even in challenging situations.

The Hadith emphasizes that the suppression of anger is the cornerstone of forbearance. It implies that true forbearance is not merely the absence of anger, but rather the ability to control and suppress it when it arises. This requires a great deal of self-discipline and self-control.

The Quran provides us with numerous verses that emphasize the importance of controlling anger and practicing forbearance. 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 connection between suppressing anger and performing good deeds. It reminds us that those who can control their anger are beloved by Allah.

Another verse that supports the concept of suppressing anger is found in Surah Al-A'raf (7:199):

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

This verse encourages Muslims to respond to ignorance and provocation with patience and wisdom, rather than reacting impulsively out of anger. It teaches us to restrain ourselves and maintain composure in the face of adversity.

Imam Ali's (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) statement serves as a guiding principle for Muslims, reminding us of the importance of controlling our anger. When we suppress our anger, we are able to think rationally and respond to situations with wisdom and patience. This not only strengthens our relationships with others but also helps us to maintain inner peace and tranquility.

By suppressing anger, we can avoid saying or doing things that we may later regret. It allows us to maintain harmony in our interactions with others and prevents conflicts from escalating. Furthermore, suppressing anger enables us to forgive and overlook the faults of others, fostering an environment of compassion and understanding.

Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) was known for his exceptional knowledge and wisdom. His ability to control his anger was a testament to his profound understanding of the teachings of Islam. He serves as an exemplary role model for Muslims, inspiring us to emulate his qualities of forbearance and patience.

In conclusion, the Hadith of Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) teaches us that the cornerstone of forbearance is the suppression of anger. It emphasizes the importance of controlling our emotions and responding to challenging situations with patience and wisdom. By restraining our anger, we can maintain harmonious relationships, avoid conflicts, and cultivate inner peace. May Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) grant us the strength to embody this virtue and follow in the footsteps of Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ).