Hadith #3025

In the name of Allah, the Most Gracious, the Most Merciful. Praise be to Allah, the Lord of all worlds. Peace and blessings be upon our beloved Prophet Muhammad (ﷺ), his pure and noble Ahl al-Bayt, and his righteous companions.

The Arabic Hadith of Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) states, "الاِحْتِمالُ خُلْقٌ سَجِيحٌ۔" This is translated as,

Tolerance is a beautiful quality.

Let us delve into the connotation of this statement in light of the teachings of the Quran.

The word (ihtimal) "اِحْتِمالُ" refers to tolerance, patience, and forbearance. It encompasses the ability to endure hardships, difficulties, and differences with grace and composure. It is a quality that allows individuals to maintain peace and harmony in their interactions with others, even in the face of adversity or disagreement.

The word (khulq) "خُلْقٌ" refers to a quality or characteristic that is inherent to a person's nature or disposition. It represents an essential aspect of one's character, something that defines who they are. In this context, it refers to tolerance being an integral part of a person's moral and ethical makeup.

The word (sajeeh) "سَجِيحٌ" means beautiful, noble, or excellent. It signifies that tolerance is not only a commendable quality but also one that is highly valued and esteemed. It is a characteristic that brings beauty and harmony to relationships and interactions.

The Quran emphasizes the importance of tolerance and patience in numerous verses. Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) says in Surah Al-Baqarah (2:153),

O you who have believed, seek help through patience and prayer. Indeed, Allah is with the patient.

This verse encourages believers to seek strength and assistance through patience, highlighting its significance in facing challenges and maintaining steadfastness.

Furthermore, in Surah Al-Asr (103:3), Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) states,

And enjoin upon one another patience and enjoin upon each other truth.

This verse emphasizes the importance of advising one another to practice patience and to uphold the truth. It highlights the role of tolerance in fostering unity and cooperation among Muslims.

Imam Ali's statement,

Tolerance is a beautiful quality,

reflects the profound wisdom and knowledge that he possessed. He recognized that tolerance is not a sign of weakness but rather a manifestation of strength and wisdom. It is through tolerance that conflicts can be resolved, relationships can be nurtured, and communities can thrive.

When we embody tolerance, we create an environment where diversity is celebrated, and differences are respected. We learn to listen to others' perspectives, even if they differ from our own. We strive to understand and empathize, rather than judge and condemn. This leads to greater understanding, compassion, and unity among Muslims.

Tolerance also has far-reaching consequences. It promotes peaceful coexistence and prevents the escalation of conflicts. It allows for the exchange of ideas and the growth of knowledge. It fosters a sense of belonging and acceptance within the Muslim community, making it a safe and inclusive space for all.

Reflecting on Imam Ali's statement, we are reminded of the importance of cultivating tolerance in our lives. We should strive to embody this beautiful quality in our interactions with others, both within the Muslim community and beyond. By doing so, we contribute to the establishment of a just and harmonious society, guided by the principles of Islam.

May Allah (تَبَارَكَ وَتَعَالَىٰ) grant us the wisdom and strength to embody tolerance in our lives, and may He bless us with the ability to foster unity and understanding among Muslims. Ameen.