Hadith #2842

In the name of Allah, the Most Gracious, the Most Merciful. Praise be 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 Arabic Hadith of Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) states: "آفَةُ الحِلْمِ الذُّلُّ۔" This can be translated into English as:

The bane of forbearance is humiliation.

Let us delve into the meaning of some key words in this Hadith to better understand its enlightening message. The word (hilm) "حِلْمِ" refers to forbearance, patience, and the ability to control one's anger or frustration. It is a noble quality that allows a person to remain calm and composed in the face of adversity. On the other hand, the word (dhull) "ذُّلُّ" means humiliation, degradation, or being brought low.

To gain a deeper understanding of this Hadith, we can turn to the Quran for guidance. Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) says in Surah Al-Imran (3:159):

So by mercy from Allah, [O Muhammad], you were lenient with them. And if you had been rude [in speech] and harsh in heart, they would have disbanded from about you. So pardon them and ask forgiveness for them and consult them in the matter. And when you have decided, then rely upon Allah. Indeed, Allah loves those who rely [upon Him].

This verse highlights the importance of forbearance and leniency in dealing with others. Prophet Muhammad (ﷺ) demonstrated immense patience and gentleness towards his companions, even in the face of opposition and adversity. Had he responded with harshness or impatience, it could have led to the dispersal of his followers and a breakdown in unity. Therefore, forbearance played a crucial role in maintaining harmony and cohesion within the Muslim community.

Imam Ali's (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) statement emphasizes the negative consequence of lacking forbearance - humiliation. When one fails to exercise patience and reacts impulsively or aggressively, it often leads to regrettable outcomes. Such behavior can tarnish one's reputation, damage relationships, and ultimately result in personal humiliation. By contrast, those who possess the virtue of forbearance are able to navigate difficult situations with grace and dignity.

In Surah Al-A'raf (7:199), Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) advises Prophet Muhammad (ﷺ):

Take what is given freely, enjoin what is good, and turn away from the ignorant.

This verse encourages the Prophet (ﷺ) to respond to ignorance and foolishness with patience and wisdom. It teaches us that forbearance is not a sign of weakness, but rather a manifestation of strength and wisdom.

Imam Ali's (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) beautiful saying serves as a reminder for Muslims to cultivate the virtue of forbearance in their lives. By exercising patience and self-control, we can avoid the pitfalls of humiliation and maintain our dignity. It is through forbearance that we can navigate challenging situations, resolve conflicts, and foster harmonious relationships within our communities.

Let us reflect upon this Hadith and strive to emulate the example set by Prophet Muhammad (ﷺ) and his noble companions, particularly Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) who was known for his immense knowledge and wisdom. May Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) grant us the strength to exercise forbearance in all aspects of our lives and protect us from the perils of humiliation.