Hadith #5645

In the name of Allah, the Most Gracious, the Most Merciful. All praise is due 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 Arabic Hadith of Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) states:

مِنْ أفْضَل الحَزْمِ، الصَّبْرُ عَلَى النَّوائِبِ۔

This can be translated into English as:

Patience in [times of] calamities is from the best judiciousness.

Let us delve into the meanings of the important words in this Hadith. The word (hazm) "حَزْمِ" refers to judiciousness or wisdom in dealing with difficult situations. It implies the ability to make sound decisions and exercise self-control in the face of adversity. The word (nawā'ib) "نَّوائِبِ" refers to calamities or hardships that befall a person.

The importance of patience during times of calamities is emphasized in the Quran as well. Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) says in Surah Al-Baqarah (2:155):

And We will surely test you with something of fear and hunger and a loss of wealth and lives and fruits, but give good tidings to the patient.

This verse highlights that trials and tribulations are an inevitable part of life, and it is through patience that one can navigate through them successfully.

Furthermore, in Surah Al-Imran (3:186), Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) says:

You will surely be tested in your possessions and in yourselves. And you will surely hear from those who were given the Scripture before you and from those who associate others with Allah much abuse. But if you are patient and fear Allah - indeed, that is of the matters [worthy] of determination.

This verse reminds us that patience is not only required during personal hardships but also when facing opposition and criticism from others.

Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) emphasizes that patience during calamities is not just a virtue but also a form of judiciousness. When faced with difficult situations, it is natural for emotions to run high and for impulsive reactions to take over. However, true wisdom lies in exercising patience and maintaining composure. Patience allows us to think rationally, make informed decisions, and respond to challenges in a manner that is pleasing to Allah.

Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) himself was a paragon of knowledge and wisdom. His patience in the face of numerous trials and tribulations is well-documented. For example, during the Battle of Uhud, when he was struck with a sword and his helmet was embedded into his head, he remained patient and steadfast in his commitment to Islam. His ability to endure physical pain and maintain his composure exemplifies the importance of patience in times of calamities.

The consequences of practicing patience during calamities are manifold. Firstly, it allows us to maintain our faith and trust in Allah's plan. We recognize that every hardship is a test from Allah, and through patience, we demonstrate our submission to His will. Secondly, patience helps us develop resilience and inner strength. It enables us to bounce back from setbacks and continue striving towards our goals. Thirdly, patience fosters empathy and compassion towards others who may be experiencing similar hardships. It encourages us to extend a helping hand and provide support to those in need.

In conclusion, the Hadith of Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) emphasizes the importance of patience during times of calamities. It highlights that patience is not only a virtue but also a form of judiciousness. By exercising patience, we can navigate through hardships with wisdom and composure. The Quranic verses further reinforce this concept, reminding us that trials and tribulations are an inevitable part of life, and it is through patience that we can overcome them. May Allah grant us the strength to practice patience during times of calamities and may He reward us abundantly for our steadfastness.