Hadith #2838

In the name of Allah, the Most Gracious, the Most Merciful. All praise is due 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 Hadith of Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) states,

Forbearance is the ornament of knowledge and the cause of peace.

This impactful saying emphasizes the importance of forbearance in acquiring and applying knowledge, as well as its role in establishing peace within society.

Let us delve into the meaning of the key words in this Hadith. "Al-hilm" refers to forbearance, patience, and self-restraint. It is the ability to control one's emotions and reactions in the face of adversity or provocation. "Hilyat" means ornament or adornment, implying that forbearance beautifies and enhances knowledge. "Al-'ilm" signifies knowledge, encompassing both religious and worldly knowledge. And "al-silm" refers to peace, tranquility, and harmony.

To understand the significance of forbearance in knowledge, we turn to the Quran. Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) says in Surah Al-Qasas, verse 54:

Indeed, those who are given knowledge before it, when it is recited to them, they fall upon their faces in prostration.

This verse highlights the humility and reverence that true knowledge instills in its seekers. Forbearance allows individuals to approach knowledge with an open mind, to patiently reflect upon its teachings, and to submit to its wisdom.

Furthermore, Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) states in Surah Al-Baqarah, verse 269:

He grants wisdom to whom He wills, and whoever has been granted wisdom has certainly been given much good.

Here, wisdom is closely linked to knowledge, and it is through forbearance that one can truly internalize and apply the knowledge they possess. Forbearance enables individuals to exercise wisdom in their interactions with others, to handle disagreements and conflicts with patience and understanding, and to promote harmony within their communities.

The Hadith also highlights the role of forbearance in establishing peace. Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) says in Surah Al-Hujurat, verse 10:

Indeed, the believers are brothers. So make peace between your brothers and fear Allah that you may receive mercy.

Forbearance allows individuals to bridge differences, resolve conflicts, and promote unity among believers. It is through the practice of forbearance that peace can be established within families, communities, and society at large.

Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) exemplified forbearance throughout his life. His knowledge was not only vast but also deeply rooted in wisdom and patience. He demonstrated forbearance in the face of adversity, forgiving those who wronged him and seeking reconciliation even with his enemies. His forbearance not only earned him respect and admiration but also contributed to the establishment of peace and justice during his caliphate.

As Muslims, we are reminded by this Hadith of the importance of cultivating forbearance in our pursuit of knowledge and in our interactions with others. We should strive to adorn our knowledge with patience, humility, and understanding. By doing so, we can contribute to the establishment of peace within ourselves, our communities, and the world at large.

May Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) grant us the wisdom to seek knowledge with forbearance and to embody its teachings in our lives. May He bless us with the ability to promote peace and harmony among our fellow Muslims and all of humanity.