Hadith #8114

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 the Prophet Muhammad (ﷺ), his family, his companions, and the righteous successors.

The Arabic Hadith of Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) states,

مَنْ عَصى غَضَبَهُ أطاعَ الحِلْمَ۔

This can be translated as,

One who opposes his anger has yielded to forbearance.

This profound statement by Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) highlights the importance of controlling one's anger and the virtues of practicing forbearance.

Let us delve deeper into the meanings of the key words in this Hadith. (opposes) "عَصَى" refers to going against or disobeying. (his anger) "غَضَبَهُ" signifies the intense emotion of anger that can cloud one's judgment and lead to harmful actions. And finally, (yielded) "أطاعَ" means to submit or surrender.

To understand the significance of this Hadith, we can turn to the Quran for guidance. Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) repeatedly emphasizes the importance of controlling one's anger and practicing forbearance. In Surah Al-Imran, verse 134, Allah 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 forgiving others, which aligns perfectly with the message of Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ).

Furthermore, in Surah Al-Shura, verse 37, Allah advises the believers,

And those who avoid the major sins and immoralities, and when they are angry, they forgive.

This verse emphasizes the importance of forgiveness even when one is angry. It encourages Muslims to control their anger and respond with patience and forgiveness.

Imam Ali's (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) statement serves as a reminder for Muslims to strive towards self-control and to resist the temptation to act impulsively when anger arises. It teaches us that true strength lies in suppressing our anger and responding with patience and forbearance.

Practicing forbearance in the face of anger has numerous benefits. Firstly, it helps in maintaining harmonious relationships with others. When we control our anger and respond with patience, we avoid unnecessary conflicts and misunderstandings. This promotes peace and unity within our communities.

Secondly, practicing forbearance allows us to make rational decisions. When we let anger take control, our judgment becomes clouded, and we may act impulsively, causing harm to ourselves and others. By yielding to forbearance, we are able to think clearly and make wise choices.

Moreover, practicing forbearance is a reflection of the noble character of Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ). He was known for his immense knowledge and wisdom, and his ability to control his anger was a testament to his exemplary character. As Muslims, we should strive to emulate his qualities and follow his teachings.

In conclusion, the Hadith of Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) reminds us of the importance of controlling our anger and practicing forbearance. It aligns perfectly with the teachings of the Quran, which emphasize the virtues of restraining anger and forgiving others. By yielding to forbearance, we can foster harmonious relationships, make rational decisions, and reflect the noble character of Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ). May Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) grant us the strength and wisdom to follow this advice and embody the qualities of patience and forbearance in our lives.