Hadith #3030

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) states:

بِكَثْرَةِ الاِحْتِمالِ يُعْرَفُ الْحَليمُ۔

This can be translated as:

The forbearing one is recognized by his increased tolerance.

Let us delve into the words of this Hadith to gain a deeper understanding. The word (ihtimal) "اِحْتِمالِ" refers to tolerance, patience, and forbearance. It signifies the ability to endure hardships, difficulties, and annoyances without losing composure or reacting impulsively. The word (al-halim) "الْحَليمُ" refers to someone who possesses the quality of forbearance and patience.

To further comprehend the significance of this Hadith, let us turn to the Quran for guidance. Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) emphasizes the importance of patience and forbearance in numerous verses. In Surah Al-Baqarah, Allah says: (Quran 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 Allah tests us with various trials and tribulations, and it is through patience and forbearance that we can overcome these challenges. The patient ones are those who remain steadfast in their faith, trust in Allah's plan, and do not lose hope or become disheartened.

Another verse that emphasizes the virtue of forbearance is found in Surah Al-Imran, where Allah says: (Quran 13:22)

And those who are patient, seeking the countenance of their Lord, and establish prayer and spend from what We have provided for them secretly and publicly and prevent evil with good - those will have the good consequence of [this] home.

This verse highlights that those who are patient and seek the pleasure of Allah, not only exhibit forbearance in their actions but also strive to do good and prevent evil. Their patience is not passive but active, as they respond to adversity with kindness and righteousness.

Now, let us reflect on the wise message of Imam Ali's (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) Hadith. The Imam teaches us that true forbearance is not merely the ability to endure hardships but is also reflected in increased tolerance. When faced with challenging situations or difficult individuals, the one who is truly forbearing does not react with anger or aggression. Instead, they respond with patience, understanding, and compassion.

Imam Ali's (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) immense knowledge and wisdom allowed him to embody this quality to the highest degree. He faced numerous trials and tribulations throughout his life, yet he remained patient and forgiving, even towards his enemies. His tolerance and forbearance were evident in his dealings with people, as he always sought to resolve conflicts peacefully and promote harmony.

The consequences of practicing increased tolerance and forbearance are profound. It fosters unity and strengthens relationships within the Muslim community. When we respond to adversity with patience and understanding, we create an environment of empathy and compassion. This not only benefits us individually but also contributes to the overall well-being of the ummah.

In conclusion, the Hadith of Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) teaches us the importance of increased tolerance and forbearance. It reminds us that true forbearance is not passive but active, as it requires us to respond to challenges and difficult situations with patience, understanding, and compassion. By embodying this quality, we can create a harmonious and compassionate society, reflecting the teachings of the Quran and the noble example of Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ). May Allah grant us the ability to practice increased tolerance and forbearance in our lives.