Hadith #2802

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,

الحليم من احتمل إخوانه

which translates to

The forbearing is one who tolerates [the flaws of] his brothers.

This Hadith emphasizes the virtue of forbearance and patience in dealing with the imperfections and shortcomings of others, particularly within the context of brotherhood.

To understand the significance of this Hadith, let us delve into the meanings of the key words. (al-Haleem) "الحليم" refers to someone who possesses the quality of forbearance, patience, and gentleness. It is a characteristic that allows a person to remain calm and composed in the face of provocation or annoyance. (ihtamala) "احتمل" means to bear, endure, or tolerate. It implies the act of patiently accepting and accommodating the weaknesses or mistakes of others. (ikhwanah) "إخوانه" refers to one's brothers, which can be understood in a broader sense to include fellow Muslims and humanity at large.

The Quranic teachings emphasize the importance of forbearance and patience in various contexts. Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) says in Surah Al-Baqarah (2:263),

Kind speech and forgiveness are better than charity followed by injury. And Allah is Free of need and Forbearing.

This verse highlights the superiority of gentle and forgiving speech over acts of charity that are accompanied by hurtful behavior. It encourages Muslims to adopt a patient and tolerant attitude towards others, even when they may have been wronged.

Furthermore, in Surah Al-A'raf (7:199), Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) states,

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

This verse advises Muslims to respond to ignorance and wrongdoing with patience and avoidance. It teaches us to exercise restraint and not to engage in arguments or confrontations that may escalate tensions. This is a manifestation of forbearance and tolerance in dealing with others.

Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) exemplified the quality of forbearance throughout his life. His knowledge and wisdom allowed him to patiently endure the flaws and shortcomings of others, even in the face of great adversity. He demonstrated this quality during his caliphate, when he forgave those who had rebelled against him and sought to harm him. His forbearance was rooted in his deep understanding of the teachings of Islam and his commitment to upholding justice and unity among Muslims.

The Hadith of Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) reminds us of the importance of cultivating forbearance and patience in our interactions with others. It encourages us to overlook the faults and weaknesses of our brothers and sisters, and to respond with kindness and understanding. By doing so, we contribute to the promotion of unity, harmony, and peace within the Muslim community.

In conclusion, the Hadith of Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) serves as a powerful reminder for Muslims to embody the virtue of forbearance and patience. It urges us to tolerate the flaws and imperfections of our fellow brothers and sisters, and to respond with kindness and understanding. By following this teaching, we can foster a spirit of unity and harmony within the Muslim community, and contribute to the betterment of society as a whole. May Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) grant us the strength and wisdom to embody this noble quality in our lives.