Hadith #5533

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 Hadith of Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) highlights the importance of patience in two different aspects of life. The Arabic word used for patience in this Hadith is (sabr) "صَبْر", which refers to the ability to endure difficulties and hardships with perseverance and steadfastness. Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) categorizes patience into two types: patience in affliction and patience in refraining from the prohibited.

The first type of patience mentioned is (sabrun fil bala'i hasanun jameelun)

صَبْرٌ فِي البَلاءِ حَسَنٌ جَميلٌ

which translates to

patience in affliction is pleasantly beautiful.

This type of patience refers to the ability to remain calm and composed in the face of adversity, trials, and tribulations. It is a virtue that enables a person to maintain their faith and trust in Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) during times of hardship.

The Quran emphasizes the importance of patience in numerous verses. For example, in Surah Al-Baqarah (2:155), Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) says,

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 reminds Muslims that they will inevitably face trials and tribulations in life, but those who remain patient will be rewarded by Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ).

The second type of patience mentioned by Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) is (as-sabr 'anil maharimi) "الصَّبْرُ عَنِ المَحَارِمِ", which translates to

patience in refraining from the prohibited.

This type of patience refers to the ability to control one's desires and impulses, and to abstain from engaging in sinful actions. It is a higher level of patience that requires self-discipline and self-restraint.

The Quran repeatedly emphasizes the importance of avoiding the prohibited and exercising self-control. In Surah Al-A'raf (7:33), Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) says,

Say, 'My Lord has only forbidden immoralities - what is apparent of them and what is concealed - and sin, and oppression without right, and that you associate with Allah that for which He has not sent down authority, and that you say about Allah that which you do not know.'

This verse highlights the necessity of patience in refraining from engaging in immoral and sinful actions.

Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) emphasizes that patience in refraining from the prohibited is even better than patience in affliction. This is because exercising self-control and avoiding sinful actions not only protects us from the consequences of those actions in this world but also earns us rewards in the hereafter. It demonstrates our commitment to obeying Allah's (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) commands and strengthens our relationship with Him.

In conclusion, the Hadith of Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) highlights the importance of patience in two different aspects of life: patience in affliction and patience in refraining from the prohibited. Both types of patience are virtues that are highly regarded in Islam and are supported by numerous Quranic verses. Patience in affliction enables us to endure hardships with grace and trust in Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ), while patience in refraining from the prohibited demonstrates our commitment to obeying Allah's (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) commands and earns us rewards in this life and the hereafter. May Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) grant us the ability to practice both types of patience in our lives.