Hadith #1860

In the name of Allah, the Most Gracious, the Most Merciful. Praise be 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 Hadith of Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) states,

Fighting anger with forbearance is evidence of nobility.

This Hadith emphasizes the importance of controlling our anger and responding to it with patience and forbearance. Let us delve into the deeper meanings of the words used in this Hadith and explore its implications in light of the Quran.

The word "jihad" in this Hadith refers to the struggle or effort to overcome one's anger. It is important to note that this struggle is not physical, but rather an internal battle to restrain and control our emotions. The word "ghadab" translates to anger, which is a natural human emotion that can lead to harmful consequences if not managed properly. Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) advises us to combat this anger with "hilm," which means forbearance or patience.

The Quran provides numerous verses that support the concept of controlling anger and responding with patience. 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 importance of restraining anger and forgiving others, as it is an act beloved by Allah.

Another verse that emphasizes the significance of controlling anger is found in Surah Al-A'raf (7:199), where Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) says,

Take what is given freely, enjoin what is good, and turn away from the ignorant. And if an evil suggestion comes to you from Satan, then seek refuge in Allah. Indeed, He is Hearing and Knowing.

This verse encourages us to respond to ignorance and evil suggestions with patience and seeking refuge in Allah, rather than succumbing to anger and reacting impulsively.

Imam Ali's (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) statement that fighting anger with forbearance is evidence of nobility holds profound wisdom. When we are able to control our anger and respond with patience, we demonstrate our strength of character and self-control. It is easy to let anger consume us and react in a way that may harm ourselves or others. However, by exercising forbearance, we display nobility and elevate our spiritual state.

By choosing to respond to anger with forbearance, we can avoid escalating conflicts and promote harmony in our relationships. For example, if someone says or does something hurtful, our immediate reaction may be to respond in anger. However, if we choose to exercise forbearance, we can calmly address the situation, seek understanding, and find a resolution without causing further harm.

Furthermore, responding to anger with forbearance allows us to break the cycle of negativity. When we react impulsively in anger, it often leads to a chain reaction of negative emotions and actions. However, by choosing to respond with patience and forbearance, we can disrupt this cycle and promote a more positive and peaceful environment.

Imam Ali's (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) enlightening saying serves as a reminder for all Muslims to strive for self-control and to respond to anger with patience and forbearance. By doing so, we not only fulfill the teachings of the Quran but also exemplify the noble qualities that Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) possessed, particularly his deep knowledge and wisdom.

In conclusion, the Hadith of Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) teaches us the importance of controlling our anger and responding with forbearance. This concept is supported by various Quranic verses that emphasize the significance of restraining anger and promoting patience. By choosing to fight anger with forbearance, we demonstrate nobility, strengthen our character, and foster harmonious relationships. May Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) grant us the ability to control our anger and respond with patience and forbearance in all aspects of our lives.