Hadith #2839

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,

الحلم نظام أمر المؤمن

which translates to

Forbearance is the system by which the affairs of a believer are organized.

This impactful Hadith highlights the importance of forbearance in the life of a Muslim and emphasizes its role in maintaining order and harmony in one's affairs.

The word (hilm) "حلم" in Arabic refers to forbearance, patience, and the ability to control one's anger or frustration in difficult situations. It is a quality that allows a person to remain calm and composed, even in the face of adversity. The word (nizam) "نظام" means system or organization, indicating that forbearance is not just a personal trait, but a way of organizing and managing one's affairs.

The significance of forbearance can be found in numerous verses of the Quran. Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) praises those who possess this quality in Surah Al-Imran, verse 134, where He says,

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 highlights the importance of controlling one's anger and forgiving others, which are essential aspects of forbearance.

Furthermore, in Surah Al-Furqan, verse 63, Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) describes the characteristics of the servants of the Most Merciful, stating,

And the servants of the Most Merciful are those who walk upon the earth easily, and when the ignorant address them [harshly], they say [words of] peace.

This verse emphasizes the gentle and peaceful demeanor of those who possess forbearance, even when faced with ignorance or harsh words.

Imam Ali's (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) statement highlights the practical application of forbearance in the life of a believer. Forbearance serves as a guiding principle that helps a Muslim navigate through the challenges and trials of life. It allows one to respond to difficult situations with wisdom, patience, and self-control, rather than reacting impulsively or with anger.

By embodying forbearance, a believer can maintain harmonious relationships with others, resolve conflicts peacefully, and avoid unnecessary disputes. It enables one to overlook the faults and shortcomings of others, instead focusing on fostering unity and understanding within the community.

Forbearance also has profound spiritual implications. It is a quality that brings one closer to Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) and earns His pleasure. By exercising forbearance, a believer demonstrates humility, trust in Allah's plan, and reliance on His guidance. It is a means of purifying one's soul and attaining spiritual growth.

Imam Ali's (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) statement serves as a reminder for Muslims to cultivate the virtue of forbearance in their lives. It encourages us to reflect on our own behavior and strive to embody this noble quality. By doing so, we can create a harmonious and peaceful society, both within ourselves and in our interactions with others.

In conclusion, the Hadith of Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) emphasizes the importance of forbearance as the system by which the affairs of a believer are organized. It calls upon Muslims to exercise patience, self-control, and forgiveness in all aspects of life. By doing so, we can navigate through challenges, maintain harmonious relationships, and ultimately attain closeness to Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ). May Allah grant us the ability to embody forbearance and may He bless us with His mercy and guidance.