Hadith #9208

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,

لَيْسَ مِنْ شِيَمِ الكِرَامِ تَعْجِيلُ الاِنْتِقَامِ

which translates to

Being hasty in taking revenge is not from the traits of noble-minded people.

This Hadith emphasizes the importance of patience and forbearance in dealing with conflicts and disputes.

To understand the profound wisdom behind this statement, let us delve into the meanings of some key words. "شِيَمِ" refers to the traits or characteristics of a person, while "كِرَامِ" denotes noble-minded individuals who possess high moral qualities. "تَعْجِيلُ" signifies haste or impatience, and "اِنْتِقَامِ" refers to seeking revenge or retaliation.

The Quran provides us with numerous verses that support the teachings of this Hadith. Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) says in Surah Al-Baqarah (2:178),

O you who have believed, prescribed for you is legal retribution for those murdered - the free for the free, the slave for the slave, and the female for the female. But whoever overlooks from his brother anything, then there should be a suitable follow-up and payment to him with good conduct. This is an alleviation from your Lord and a mercy. But whoever transgresses after that will have a painful punishment.

This verse highlights the importance of seeking justice in cases of murder, but it also emphasizes the option of forgiveness and reconciliation. It encourages Muslims to adopt a measured and balanced approach in seeking retribution, rather than rushing into revenge. By doing so, one demonstrates noble qualities of mercy, compassion, and forgiveness.

Another verse that aligns with the teachings of this Hadith is found in Surah Al-Shura (42:40), where Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) says,

The recompense for an evil is an evil like thereof, but whoever forgives and makes reconciliation, his reward is due from Allah. Indeed, He does not like wrongdoers.

This verse emphasizes the principle of reciprocity in dealing with wrongdoing. It teaches us that while it is permissible to respond to evil with an equal measure of justice, it is far more virtuous to forgive and seek reconciliation. By doing so, one not only earns the reward from Allah, but also demonstrates noble character and a commitment to peace.

Imam Ali's (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) statement in this Hadith reflects his deep understanding of the Quranic teachings. He highlights the fact that seeking revenge hastily is not befitting of noble-minded individuals. Instead, they exhibit patience, wisdom, and self-control in the face of provocation or harm.

Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) himself exemplified this noble trait throughout his life. Despite facing numerous injustices and betrayals, he consistently displayed patience and forgiveness. His knowledge and understanding of the Quran guided his actions, and he sought to emulate the teachings of the Prophet Muhammad (ﷺ) in all aspects of his life.

By adhering to the teachings of this Hadith, Muslims can strive to cultivate noble qualities within themselves. They can learn to control their anger, exercise patience, and seek peaceful resolutions to conflicts. This not only leads to personal growth and spiritual development but also contributes to the establishment of harmonious and just societies.

In conclusion, the Hadith of Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) teaches us the importance of patience and forbearance in dealing with conflicts. It reminds us that seeking revenge hastily is not befitting of noble-minded individuals. By following the guidance of the Quran, we can strive to embody the qualities of mercy, forgiveness, and reconciliation, thereby fostering peace and harmony in our lives and communities. May Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) grant us the wisdom to understand and implement these teachings.