Hadith #2857

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 provided Hadith of Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) states,

The cause of reverence is forbearance.

Let us delve into the meaning of this thought-provoking Hadith and explore its significance in light of the Quran.

The word (waqar) "وَقَار" in Arabic refers to dignity, honor, and reverence. It is a state of being respected and esteemed. The word (hilm) "حِلْم" means forbearance, patience, and tolerance. It is the ability to control one's anger and respond to difficult situations with calmness and composure.

The Quran emphasizes the importance of forbearance and its role in attaining reverence. In Surah Al-Imran, Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) says, (Quran 3:133-134)

And hasten to forgiveness from your Lord and a garden as wide as the heavens and earth, prepared for the righteous 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 forgiveness, self-control, and attaining righteousness. By restraining anger and pardoning others, one can attain the love and pleasure of Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ). This love and pleasure from Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) leads to a state of reverence and honor.

Furthermore, in Surah Al-Furqan, Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) describes the characteristics of the servants of the Most Merciful, saying, (Quran 25:63)

And the servants of the Most Merciful are those who walk upon the earth easily, and when the ignorant address them [harshly], they say [words of] peace.

This verse emphasizes the importance of responding to ignorance and harshness with words of peace. It teaches us to maintain our composure and respond to negativity with kindness and forbearance. By doing so, we not only uphold our own dignity but also inspire others to adopt a more peaceful and respectful approach.

Imam Ali's (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) statement highlights the profound connection between forbearance and reverence. When we exercise patience and control over our emotions, we demonstrate strength of character and earn the respect of others. Our ability to remain calm in challenging situations reflects our inner strength and wisdom.

For example, imagine a person who is constantly faced with insults and provocations. Instead of reacting impulsively, they respond with patience and kindness. This individual's forbearance not only diffuses the situation but also earns them the admiration and respect of those around them. Their dignified response becomes a source of inspiration for others, leading to a ripple effect of reverence and honor.

Conversely, a lack of forbearance can lead to the erosion of reverence and dignity. When we allow anger and impatience to dictate our actions, we risk tarnishing our reputation and losing the respect of others. Our words and actions become a reflection of our inner state, and if we respond to provocation with aggression, we undermine our own position of honor.

In conclusion, Imam Ali's (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) statement,

The cause of reverence is forbearance,

highlights the profound connection between patience, self-control, and attaining honor and respect. By restraining our anger, responding to negativity with kindness, and maintaining composure in challenging situations, we not only uphold our own dignity but also inspire reverence in the hearts of others. May Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) grant us the wisdom and strength to embody the qualities of forbearance and attain the highest levels of reverence.