Hadith #3028

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 Hadith of Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) states,

Through increased tolerance, one’s merit (or intelligence) increases.

This amazing Hadith emphasizes the importance of cultivating patience and forbearance in our lives. Let us delve deeper into the words of this Hadith to understand its significance in light of the Quran.

The word (ihtimal) "اِحْتِمالِ" in the Hadith refers to tolerance or patience. It encompasses the ability to endure hardships, difficulties, and the shortcomings of others without losing composure. This quality is highly regarded in Islam and is emphasized in numerous verses of the Quran.

Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) says in Surah Al-Baqarah (2:153),

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

This verse highlights the importance of patience as a means of seeking assistance from Allah. By practicing patience, we demonstrate our reliance on Allah and our trust in His divine plan.

Furthermore, in Surah Al-Imran (3:200), Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) says,

O you who have believed, persevere and endure and remain stationed and fear Allah that you may be successful.

This verse encourages believers to persevere and endure in the face of challenges. It reminds us that success comes to those who remain steadfast and patient in their faith.

The Hadith also mentions that through increased tolerance, one's (fadhul) "فَضْلُ" or merit increases. This can be understood as a reference to the development of one's intelligence, wisdom, and overall excellence. By practicing patience, we enhance our ability to think rationally, make sound judgments, and respond to situations with wisdom and understanding.

In Surah Al-Hujurat (49:12), Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) says,

O you who have believed, avoid much [negative] assumption. Indeed, some assumption is sin. And do not spy or backbite each other. Would one of you like to eat the flesh of his brother when dead? You would detest it. And fear Allah; indeed, Allah is Accepting of repentance and Merciful.

This verse highlights the importance of avoiding negative assumptions and backbiting, which are contrary to the spirit of tolerance and patience. By refraining from such behavior, we not only maintain our own merit but also contribute to a harmonious and respectful society.

The consequences of practicing tolerance and patience are manifold. Firstly, it allows us to maintain healthy relationships with others. By being patient and understanding, we create an environment of compassion and empathy, fostering stronger bonds within our communities. Secondly, it enables us to navigate through challenging situations with grace and wisdom. Instead of reacting impulsively, patience allows us to assess the situation objectively and respond in a manner that aligns with our values and principles.

Moreover, the practice of tolerance and patience has a transformative effect on our own character. It helps us develop qualities such as humility, self-control, and resilience. By exercising patience, we learn to control our anger, forgive others, and seek peaceful resolutions to conflicts. This, in turn, elevates our spiritual growth and brings us closer to Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ).

Reflecting on this Hadith, we are reminded of the exemplary character of Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ). His immense knowledge and wisdom were not only manifested in his actions but also in his ability to remain patient and tolerant in the face of adversity. His teachings and actions serve as a timeless example for Muslims to follow, as we strive to emulate his noble qualities.

In conclusion, the Hadith of Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) emphasizes the importance of practicing tolerance and patience in our lives. Through increased tolerance, our merit and intelligence are enhanced, enabling us to navigate through life's challenges with wisdom and grace. By drawing upon the teachings of the Quran and the exemplary character of Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ), we can cultivate these qualities and strive towards becoming better Muslims and individuals. May Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) grant us the strength and guidance to embody the virtues of patience and tolerance in all aspects of our lives.