Hadith #2804

In the name of Allah, the Most Gracious, the Most Merciful. Praise be to Allah, the Lord of all the worlds. Peace and blessings be upon our beloved Prophet Muhammad (ﷺ), his pure progeny, and his noble companions.

The provided Hadith of Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) emphasizes the importance of forbearance and warns against imitating the characteristics of a group that may lead one to become like them. Let us delve into the deeper meaning of this profound statement in light of the Quran.

The word (halīman) "حَلِيماً" in the Hadith refers to being forbearing, patient, and calm in the face of difficulties or provocations. It is a quality that allows one to control their anger and respond with wisdom and kindness. Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) praises the quality of forbearance in the Quran, saying in Surah Al-Imran (3:134):

Those 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.

Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) advises that if one does not possess this quality, they should strive to act forbearing. This means that even if one does not naturally possess forbearance, they should make a conscious effort to cultivate this trait within themselves. By doing so, they can develop the ability to control their emotions and respond to challenging situations in a calm and wise manner.

The Hadith further states that imitating a group may lead one to become like them. This highlights the influence of our surroundings and the importance of choosing our companions wisely. The Quran also emphasizes the significance of surrounding oneself with righteous individuals in Surah Al-Kahf (18:28):

And keep yourself patient [by being] with those who call upon their Lord in the morning and the evening, seeking His countenance.

When we associate ourselves with a particular group, we tend to adopt their beliefs, values, and behaviors. If we choose to imitate a group that lacks forbearance or possesses negative qualities, we risk internalizing those characteristics and becoming like them. This Hadith serves as a reminder to Muslims to be cautious of the company they keep and to strive to be in the company of those who possess noble qualities.

To further understand the consequences of imitating a group, we can turn to the story of Prophet Ibrahim (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) in the Quran. In Surah Al-An'am (6:74), Ibrahim (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) reflects upon the idols worshipped by his people and says,

Indeed, I have turned my face toward He who created the heavens and the earth, inclining toward truth, and I am not of those who associate others with Allah.

Ibrahim (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) refused to imitate the beliefs and practices of his people, and as a result, he was blessed with guidance and righteousness.

Similarly, if we imitate a group that does not possess the qualities of forbearance and righteousness, we may find ourselves straying from the path of truth and righteousness. It is essential for Muslims to be mindful of the company they keep and to strive to surround themselves with individuals who embody the teachings of Islam.

In conclusion, the Hadith of Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) serves as a reminder to Muslims of the importance of forbearance and the influence of our surroundings. It encourages us to cultivate the quality of forbearance within ourselves and to be cautious of imitating groups that do not possess noble qualities. By doing so, we can strive to be individuals who embody the teachings of Islam and remain steadfast on the path of righteousness. May Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) grant us the strength and wisdom to act with forbearance and choose our companions wisely.