Hadith #2870

In the name of Allah, the Most Gracious, the Most Merciful. All praise is due 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,

There is no forbearance like feigning inattention [and pretending not to have noticed].

This Hadith highlights the virtue of patience and self-control in dealing with difficult situations or people. To better understand the profound wisdom behind this statement, let us delve into the meaning of the important words in this Hadith.

The word "lahilm" in Arabic refers to forbearance, patience, or tolerance. It encompasses the ability to remain calm and composed in the face of provocation or adversity. It involves controlling one's emotions and refraining from reacting impulsively. The word "taghaful" means feigning inattention or pretending not to have noticed. It implies the act of deliberately ignoring or overlooking something, despite being aware of it.

To shed light on the significance of this Hadith, let us turn to the Quran for guidance. Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) says in Surah Al-Imran (3:134),

Those 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 emphasizes the importance of controlling one's anger and forgiving others, even in challenging circumstances. It encourages Muslims to exhibit patience and forbearance, just as Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) advised.

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

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 virtue of responding to ignorance and harshness with words of peace and tranquility. It highlights the importance of maintaining composure and not allowing provocation to disrupt one's inner peace.

Imam Ali's (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) statement in the Hadith encourages Muslims to adopt a similar approach in their interactions with others. It teaches us that true forbearance lies in feigning inattention and pretending not to have noticed the faults or provocations of others. By doing so, we demonstrate our ability to rise above petty disputes and maintain harmony in our relationships.

Feigning inattention does not imply turning a blind eye to injustice or allowing wrongdoing to prevail. Rather, it is a strategic approach to diffuse tense situations and prevent them from escalating further. It is a means of preserving peace and promoting understanding among individuals. Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) exemplified this quality throughout his life, as he was known for his immense knowledge and wisdom. He would often respond to ignorance or provocation with patience and gentle words, seeking to guide others towards the path of righteousness.

By practicing feigning inattention, we can avoid unnecessary conflicts and maintain a peaceful environment. It allows us to focus on our own self-improvement and spiritual growth, rather than being consumed by the negative actions or words of others. Moreover, it provides an opportunity for reflection and self-evaluation, as we assess our own reactions and strive to embody the qualities of patience and forbearance.

In conclusion, the Hadith of Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) teaches us the importance of practicing patience and self-control in our interactions with others. It encourages us to adopt the strategy of feigning inattention, not as a means of avoiding responsibility or overlooking injustice, but as a way to maintain peace and harmony. By emulating the example set by Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ), we can cultivate a spirit of forbearance and contribute to the betterment of our communities. May Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) grant us the wisdom and strength to embody these noble qualities.