Hadith #9722

In the name of Allah, the Most Gracious, the Most Merciful. Praise be to Allah, the Lord of all 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,

مِنَ المُرُوَّةِ اِحْتِمالُ جِناياتِ الإخْوانِ (المَعْرُوفِ)

which translates to

Bearing the offences of one’s brothers is from magnanimity.

In this Hadith, there are a few important words that require explanation.

The first word is (muruwwah) "مُرُوَّةِ", which can be translated as magnanimity, nobility, or generosity. It refers to the quality of being patient and forgiving towards others, especially in the face of their wrongdoings or offenses. It encompasses the ability to bear the burdens and faults of one's brothers and sisters in faith.

The second word is (ihtimal) "اِحْتِمالُ", which means to bear or tolerate. It implies the act of accepting and enduring the offenses or sins committed by others without seeking revenge or harboring resentment.

The third word is (jinayat) "جِناياتِ", which refers to offenses or sins. It indicates the wrongdoings or transgressions committed by individuals against others.

Now, let us delve into the Quranic verses that support the exegesis of this Hadith.

Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) says in Surah Al-Hujurat (49:11),

O you who have believed, let not a people ridicule [another] people; perhaps they may be better than them; nor let women ridicule [other] women; perhaps they may be better than them. And do not insult one another and do not call each other by [offensive] nicknames. Wretched is the name of disobedience after [one's] faith. And whoever does not repent - then it is those who are the wrongdoers.

This verse emphasizes the importance of not ridiculing or insulting others, as it is a form of wrongdoing. It encourages Muslims to be respectful and considerate towards one another, even if they have committed offenses. Bearing the offenses of others with magnanimity is a manifestation of the noble character that Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) expects from His servants.

Furthermore, in Surah Al-Imran (3:134), Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) says,

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 virtue of restraining anger and pardoning others. It encourages Muslims to be patient and forgiving, even in difficult circumstances. Bearing the offenses of one's brothers and sisters in faith with magnanimity is a reflection of this noble quality.

The exegesis of this Hadith teaches us the importance of maintaining strong bonds of brotherhood and sisterhood within the Muslim community. It reminds us that forgiveness and tolerance are essential in fostering unity and harmony among believers. When we bear the offenses of our fellow Muslims with magnanimity, we contribute to the preservation of peace and the strengthening of our collective identity as Muslims.

Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) exemplified this quality throughout his life. His knowledge and wisdom enabled him to bear the offenses of others with patience and forgiveness. He forgave those who wronged him, even in the most challenging situations. His actions were guided by the teachings of the Quran and the example set by the Prophet Muhammad (ﷺ).

In conclusion, the Hadith of Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) teaches us the virtue of bearing the offenses of our brothers and sisters in faith with magnanimity. It reminds us to be patient, forgiving, and tolerant towards others, even when they wrong us. By embodying this noble quality, we contribute to the unity and strength of the Muslim community. May Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) grant us the ability to bear the offenses of others with magnanimity and to cultivate a spirit of forgiveness and tolerance within our hearts.