Hadith #9318

In the name of Allah, the Most Gracious, the Most Merciful. May peace and blessings be upon our beloved Prophet Muhammad (ﷺ), his purified progeny (Ahl al-Bayt), and his noble companions.

In this profound Hadith of Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ), he highlights the qualities of a sagacious person. The word (kayyis) "كَيِّسُ" refers to someone who possesses wisdom, intelligence, and prudence. Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) describes two important attributes that a sagacious person should possess: (tajalbab al-haya) "تَجَلْبَبَ الحَياءَ" and (addara'a al-hilm) "ادَّرَعَ الحِلْمَ".

The term (tajalbab) "تَجَلْبَبَ" is derived from the root word (jalbab) "جَلْبَبَ", which means to don or wear a garment. In this context, it refers to adorning oneself with the garment of modesty. Modesty is a quality that encompasses humility, bashfulness, and a sense of shame in the face of wrongdoing. It is the opposite of arrogance and pride. Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) emphasizes the importance of modesty in the Quran in Surah Al-Hujurat, verse 13:

O mankind, indeed We have created you from male and female and made you peoples and tribes that you may know one another. Indeed, the most noble of you in the sight of Allah is the most righteous of you. Indeed, Allah is Knowing and Acquainted.

The second attribute mentioned by Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) is (addara'a al-hilm) "ادَّرَعَ الحِلْمَ", which can be translated as donning the armor of forbearance. The term (hilm) "حِلْمَ" refers to patience, tolerance, and the ability to control one's anger and respond to difficult situations with calmness and composure. Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) praises those who possess the quality of forbearance in Surah Al-Imran, verse 134:

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.

Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) emphasizes that these two qualities, modesty and forbearance, are essential for a sagacious person. By adorning oneself with the garment of modesty, one demonstrates humility and recognizes their own limitations. This quality allows them to approach others with respect and kindness, fostering harmonious relationships within the community. Modesty also serves as a protection against arrogance and pride, which can lead to destructive behavior and the alienation of others.

Similarly, donning the armor of forbearance enables a person to navigate through challenging situations with patience and wisdom. It allows them to control their anger and respond to provocations in a measured and thoughtful manner. By practicing forbearance, a sagacious person can diffuse conflicts, promote understanding, and maintain peace within their interactions.

The consequences of embodying these qualities are far-reaching. A sagacious person who possesses modesty and forbearance becomes a source of inspiration and guidance for others. Their actions and demeanor reflect the teachings of Islam, attracting others towards the path of righteousness. By fostering an environment of humility and patience, they contribute to the unity and harmony of the Muslim community.

Reflecting on this Hadith, we are reminded of the importance of cultivating these qualities within ourselves. Modesty and forbearance are not only virtues praised by Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ), but they are also qualities that are emphasized in the Quran. By embodying these attributes, we can strive to become sagacious individuals who contribute positively to our communities and uphold the teachings of Islam.

May Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) grant us the wisdom to don the garment of modesty and the armor of forbearance, and may He bless us with the ability to embody these qualities in our daily lives.