Hadith #2869

In the name of Allah, the Most Gracious, the Most Merciful. Praise be to Allah, the Lord of all worlds, and blessings be upon Muhammad, his family, his companions, and the righteous successors.

The Arabic Hadith of Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) states, "لاظَهِيرَ كَالْحِلْمِ۔" This can be translated as,

There is no supporter like forbearance.

Let us delve into the meaning of the important words in this Hadith. (dhahir) "ظَهِيرَ" refers to a supporter or a helper, someone who stands by your side and aids you in times of need. (ka al-hilm) "كَالْحِلْمِ" means like forbearance or patience. It signifies the quality of being patient, calm, and composed in the face of difficulties or provocations.

To understand the profound wisdom behind this Hadith, we can turn to the Quran for guidance. Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) says in Surah Al-Baqarah, Ayah 153,

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

This verse emphasizes the importance of seeking support from Allah through patience. It highlights that true strength lies in remaining steadfast and patient in the face of challenges.

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

Except for those who have believed and done righteous deeds and advised each other to truth and advised each other to patience.

This verse emphasizes the significance of patience as a means of support and guidance for believers. It highlights that patience is not only a personal virtue but also a means of assisting and uplifting others.

Now, let us reflect on the exegesis of the Hadith itself. Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ), known for his immense knowledge and wisdom, reminds us that there is no supporter or helper like forbearance. This statement holds profound implications for our personal and social lives as Muslims.

On an individual level, forbearance acts as a shield against impulsive reactions and hasty decisions. It allows us to maintain composure and think rationally, even in the face of adversity. When we exercise forbearance, we are able to navigate through challenges with wisdom and insight. This quality enables us to overcome obstacles and find solutions to problems that may seem insurmountable.

Moreover, forbearance plays a crucial role in our interactions with others. It fosters understanding, empathy, and compassion in our relationships. When we respond to others with patience, we create an environment of harmony and peace. Our forbearance can inspire others to adopt a similar approach, leading to the resolution of conflicts and the strengthening of bonds within the Muslim community.

The consequences of practicing forbearance are far-reaching. It not only benefits us individually but also has a positive impact on society as a whole. By embodying forbearance, we contribute to the establishment of a just and compassionate society, reflecting the teachings of Islam.

Let us consider an example to illustrate the significance of forbearance. Imagine a situation where someone insults or provokes us. Our immediate reaction may be to retaliate with harsh words or actions. However, if we exercise forbearance, we can choose to respond with kindness and understanding. By doing so, we not only diffuse the tension but also demonstrate the beauty of Islam's teachings. Our forbearance becomes a means of inviting others towards the path of righteousness and fostering a sense of unity among Muslims.

In conclusion, the Hadith of Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) reminds us of the immense power of forbearance as a supporter and helper in our lives. It encourages us to cultivate this quality within ourselves and apply it in our interactions with others. By doing so, we can navigate through challenges with wisdom, foster harmonious relationships, and contribute to the establishment of a just and compassionate society. May Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) grant us the strength to embody forbearance and seek His support through it.