Hadith #2856

In the name of Allah, the Most Gracious, the Most Merciful. Praise be to Allah, the Lord of all the worlds. 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, "زَكوةُ الحِلْمِ الإحْتِمالُ۔" This can be translated as,

The alms-tax of forbearance is bearing patiently [with the bad behavior of the people].

Let us delve into the connotation of this Hadith in light of the Quran.

Firstly, let us understand the key words in this Hadith. (zakat) "زَكوةُ" refers to purification and growth. It is an act of giving that purifies the wealth of the giver and increases their spiritual growth. (hilm) "الحِلْمِ" means forbearance or patience, specifically in the face of adversity or the misconduct of others. (ihtimal) "الإحْتِمالُ" signifies the act of bearing or enduring something with patience and tolerance.

To understand the significance of forbearance as a form of alms-tax, we can turn to the Quran for guidance. Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) says in Surah Al-Imran (3:134),

Those who spend [in Allah's cause] during ease and hardship and who restrain anger and who pardon the people - and Allah loves the doers of good.

This verse emphasizes the importance of controlling one's anger and forgiving others, even in challenging circumstances. By doing so, we are fulfilling the alms-tax of forbearance, purifying our hearts, and earning the love of Allah.

Furthermore, the Quran teaches us in Surah Al-A'raf (7:199),

Take what is given freely, enjoin what is good, and turn away from the ignorant.

This verse encourages us to respond to ignorance and bad behavior with kindness and wisdom. It reminds us that forbearance is not only about enduring hardships but also about promoting goodness and guiding others towards the right path. By practicing forbearance, we can positively influence those around us and contribute to the betterment of society.

Imam Ali's (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) Hadith highlights the transformative power of patience and tolerance. When we encounter people who exhibit bad behavior or treat us unjustly, our natural inclination may be to react with anger or seek revenge. However, the Imam reminds us that true strength lies in our ability to bear patiently with such behavior. By doing so, we not only purify our own souls but also have the potential to inspire change in others.

For example, imagine a situation where someone constantly insults and belittles us. Instead of retaliating with harsh words or actions, we choose to remain calm and respond with kindness. This act of forbearance can have a profound impact on the person, making them reflect on their own behavior and potentially leading them to change their ways. In this way, forbearance becomes a means of guiding others towards righteousness and fostering a harmonious society.

Moreover, the consequences of practicing forbearance extend beyond the immediate situation. Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) promises in Surah Al-Hajj (22:60),

And if the enemy inclines toward peace, then incline to it [also] and rely upon Allah. Indeed, it is He who is the Hearing, the Knowing.

By choosing forbearance over retaliation, we create an environment of peace and reconciliation. We place our trust in Allah's wisdom and rely on Him to guide us in resolving conflicts. This approach not only preserves our own well-being but also opens the door for reconciliation and harmony.

In conclusion, the Hadith of Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) teaches us that forbearance is a form of alms-tax that purifies our hearts and strengthens our character. It urges us to bear patiently with the bad behavior of others, responding with kindness, wisdom, and forgiveness. By practicing forbearance, we can inspire positive change, promote peace, and earn the love and pleasure of Allah. May we all strive to embody the teachings of Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) and fulfill the alms-tax of forbearance in our daily lives.