Hadith #5657

In the name of Allah, the Most Gracious, the Most Merciful. Praise be to Allah, the Lord of all the 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,

مَعَ الصَّبْرِ يَقْوَى الحَزْمُ۔

This can be translated into English as,

With patience, judiciousness is strengthened.

Let us delve into the deeper meaning of this thought-provoking Hadith in the light of the Quran.

The word (sabr) "صَبْر", which is translated as "patience," holds great significance in Islam. It refers to the ability to endure hardships, trials, and tribulations with steadfastness and perseverance. The Quran emphasizes the importance of patience in numerous verses. For example, in Surah Al-Baqarah (2:153), Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) says,

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

This verse highlights that patience is not only a virtue but also a means of seeking assistance from Allah.

The word (hazm) "حَزْم", which is translated as "judiciousness," refers to the quality of making wise and thoughtful decisions. It encompasses the ability to analyze situations, consider the consequences, and act with wisdom and prudence. The Quran encourages believers to exercise judiciousness in various aspects of life. In Surah Al-Hujurat (49:6), Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) says,

O you who have believed, if there comes to you a disobedient one with information, investigate, lest you harm a people out of ignorance and become, over what you have done, regretful.

This verse highlights the importance of verifying information before taking any action, demonstrating the need for judiciousness.

Imam Ali's statement,

With patience, judiciousness is strengthened,

emphasizes the correlation between these two qualities. When one possesses patience, they are more likely to exercise judiciousness in their decision-making process. Patience allows individuals to remain calm and composed in challenging situations, enabling them to think rationally and make wise choices. It acts as a shield against impulsive and hasty decisions that may lead to regret and harm.

Moreover, patience also plays a crucial role in developing one's knowledge and understanding. Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) was renowned for his vast knowledge and wisdom. His patience and perseverance in seeking knowledge allowed him to acquire profound insights and understanding. Similarly, for Muslims, patience is a key attribute in the pursuit of knowledge. It requires patience to study, reflect, and contemplate upon the verses of the Quran and the teachings of the Prophet Muhammad (ﷺ).

The consequences of practicing patience and judiciousness are far-reaching. Individuals who possess these qualities are more likely to make sound decisions that benefit themselves and those around them. They are less prone to impulsive actions that may lead to negative consequences. Furthermore, patience and judiciousness contribute to the development of a harmonious society. When individuals exercise patience, they are more inclined to resolve conflicts peacefully and seek justice through fair and thoughtful means.

Reflecting on Imam Ali's statement, we can see how patience and judiciousness are intertwined and mutually reinforcing. Patience strengthens our ability to exercise judiciousness, and judiciousness, in turn, enhances our patience. As Muslims, we should strive to cultivate these qualities in our lives, seeking guidance from the Quran and the teachings of the Prophet Muhammad (ﷺ) and the Ahl al-Bayt (عَلَيْهِمُ ٱلسَّلَامُ). By doing so, we can navigate the challenges of life with wisdom and grace, and contribute to the betterment of ourselves and society as a whole.

May Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) grant us the strength to practice patience and judiciousness in all aspects of our lives. May He bless us with the wisdom to make sound decisions and guide us on the path of righteousness. Ameen.