Hadith #9148

In the name of Allah, the Most Gracious, the Most Merciful. Praise be to Allah, the Lord of all worlds. Peace and blessings be upon Muhammad, his family (Ahl al-Bayt), and his companions.

The Arabic Hadith of Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) states, "الكرم حسن الاصطبار" which translates to

Nobleness is having good patience [and tolerance].

Let us delve into the connotation of this statement in light of the Quran.

The word (al-karam) "الكرم" refers to nobleness or generosity. It encompasses the qualities of kindness, benevolence, and magnanimity. It is an attribute that elevates the character of an individual and reflects their ability to go beyond the ordinary in their acts of goodness and charity. In this Hadith, Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) emphasizes that true nobleness lies in possessing the virtue of (hasan al-istibar) "حسن الاصطبار", which translates to good patience or tolerance.

The concept of patience is mentioned numerous times in the Quran, highlighting its significance in the life of a Muslim. 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.

This verse emphasizes the importance of patience as a means of seeking assistance from Allah and as a source of strength during challenging times.

Furthermore, in Surah Al-Asr (103:3), Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) states,

Except for those who have believed and done righteous deeds and advised each other to truth and advised each other to patience.

This verse highlights the significance of patience as one of the fundamental qualities of a believer. It is through patience that individuals are able to endure hardships, remain steadfast in their faith, and persevere in doing good deeds.

Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) emphasizes that true nobleness is not merely confined to acts of generosity and kindness, but it also encompasses the ability to exercise patience and tolerance. This means that a noble person is not only generous in their actions but also patient and tolerant in their dealings with others.

Having good patience and tolerance means being able to control one's emotions and reactions in the face of adversity or difficult situations. It means being able to remain calm and composed, even when faced with provocation or injustice. This quality allows individuals to respond to challenges in a dignified and respectful manner, without compromising their principles or values.

Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) sets an example of this noble attribute through his own actions and teachings. His patience and tolerance were evident in his dealings with his enemies, as well as in his interactions with his companions. Despite facing numerous trials and tribulations, he remained steadfast in his commitment to justice and righteousness.

One example of Imam Ali's (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) patience and tolerance can be seen during the Battle of Siffin. Despite being the rightful successor to the caliphate, he chose to engage in peaceful negotiations rather than resorting to violence. This act of patience and tolerance demonstrated his commitment to resolving conflicts through peaceful means, even in the face of great adversity.

The consequences of possessing good patience and tolerance are far-reaching. It allows individuals to maintain harmonious relationships with others, resolve conflicts amicably, and promote a culture of understanding and compassion. It enables individuals to rise above petty disagreements and embrace a broader perspective that prioritizes unity and cooperation.

Reflecting on the Hadith of Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ), Muslims are reminded of the importance of embodying nobleness in their character. It is not enough to be generous and kind; one must also cultivate the virtue of patience and tolerance. By doing so, we can emulate the noble example set by Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) and strive towards becoming better individuals and members of society.

In conclusion, the Hadith of Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) teaches us that true nobleness lies in possessing good patience and tolerance. This attribute is emphasized in the Quran and is essential for Muslims to cultivate in their lives. By exercising patience and tolerance, we can navigate through the challenges of life with grace and dignity, fostering harmonious relationships and promoting a culture of compassion and understanding. May Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) grant us the ability to embody these qualities and follow in the footsteps of Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ).