Hadith #2840

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) states,

If in anger there is revenge, then in forbearance there is the reward of the virtuous.

This thought-provoking saying highlights the importance of controlling one's anger and practicing patience and forbearance in the face of provocation.

Let us delve into the key words of this Hadith to gain a deeper understanding. The word (غَضَبِ) "ghadab" refers to anger, while (إِنْتِصَارُ) "intisar" means revenge or triumph. On the other hand, (حِلْمِ) "hilm" signifies forbearance, patience, and self-control. Lastly, (ثَوَابُ) "thawab" denotes reward, and (أَبْرَارِ) "abrar" refers to the virtuous or righteous individuals.

To comprehend the significance of this Hadith, we must turn to the Quran for guidance. Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) says in Surah Al-Imran, verse 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 restraining anger and forgiving others, highlighting that such actions are beloved by Allah. It is clear that the reward for practicing forbearance and controlling anger is highly esteemed in the eyes of our Creator.

Furthermore, in Surah Ash-Shura, verse 37, Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) states:

And those who avoid the major sins and immoralities, and when they are angry, they forgive.

This verse further emphasizes the virtue of forgiveness and the importance of controlling anger. It encourages Muslims to refrain from falling into the trap of anger and instead choose forgiveness and forbearance.

Now, let us reflect on the profound wisdom behind Imam Ali's statement. Anger is a natural emotion that can cloud our judgment and lead us to act impulsively. It often results in negative consequences, such as broken relationships, regrettable actions, and a loss of self-control. However, if we can channel our anger and transform it into a positive force, seeking revenge in a just and measured manner, it can serve as a means of rectifying injustice.

On the other hand, Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) reminds us that practicing forbearance and patience in the face of provocation is not only virtuous but also rewarding. By exercising self-control and choosing to forgive, we demonstrate our strength of character and our commitment to the teachings of Islam.

Imam Ali's amazing Hadith serves as a reminder for Muslims to reflect on their own actions and reactions. It encourages us to strive for self-improvement by mastering our emotions, particularly anger, and choosing the path of patience and forgiveness. By doing so, we not only attain personal growth but also contribute to a more harmonious and compassionate society.

In conclusion, the Hadith of Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) teaches us the importance of controlling our anger and practicing forbearance. It reminds us that revenge is not the solution, but rather forgiveness and patience are the traits of the virtuous. By aligning our actions with the teachings of the Quran, we can strive to become individuals who are known for their ability to control their anger and forgive others, thereby earning the reward of the righteous. May Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) grant us the strength and wisdom to embody these qualities in our lives.