Hadith #2835

In the name of Allah, the Most Gracious, the Most Merciful. Praise be to Allah, the Lord of all 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,

Forbearance is the embellishment of knowledge.

Let us delve into the meaning of this impactful Hadith and explore its significance in light of the Quran.

The word "hilm" in Arabic refers to forbearance, patience, and self-restraint. It is the ability to remain calm and composed in the face of adversity, to control one's anger and impulses, and to respond with wisdom and kindness. The word "zīnah" means adornment or embellishment, something that enhances the beauty and value of something else. Therefore, the Hadith teaches us that forbearance is not only a virtue in itself but also enhances the beauty and value of knowledge.

The Quran emphasizes the importance of forbearance in numerous verses. Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) says in Surah Al-Imran (3:134):

Those 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 connection between spending in the cause of Allah and restraining anger, indicating that forbearance is an essential aspect of righteousness.

In Surah Al-Furqan (25:63), Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) describes the qualities 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 importance of responding to ignorance and harshness with peace and forbearance, reflecting the noble character of the believers.

Furthermore, in Surah Al-Qasas (28:55), Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) advises Prophet Musa (Moses) and his brother Harun (Aaron) to speak to Pharaoh with gentleness and wisdom, saying:

And speak to him with gentle speech that perhaps he may be reminded or fear [Allah].

This verse highlights the power of forbearance and gentle speech in conveying the message effectively and potentially changing hearts.

Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ), known for his immense knowledge and wisdom, understood the significance of forbearance in the pursuit and dissemination of knowledge. He recognized that knowledge alone is not enough; it must be accompanied by the virtue of forbearance to truly benefit individuals and society.

Forbearance in the realm of knowledge manifests in various ways. It involves patiently listening to differing opinions, engaging in respectful dialogue, and refraining from hasty judgments. It means responding to ignorance and criticism with kindness and understanding, rather than reacting with anger or arrogance. Forbearance allows one to navigate intellectual disagreements with grace and humility, fostering an environment of learning and growth.

When knowledge is adorned with forbearance, it becomes a powerful tool for positive change. It enables individuals to effectively convey their ideas, inspire others, and bridge gaps between diverse perspectives. Forbearance in knowledge leads to the cultivation of empathy, compassion, and respect, creating a harmonious society where people can coexist despite their differences.

Conversely, the absence of forbearance in the pursuit of knowledge can have detrimental consequences. It can lead to arrogance, intellectual stagnation, and the alienation of others. Without forbearance, knowledge becomes a source of division rather than unity, hindering the progress of individuals and communities.

In conclusion, the Hadith of Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) teaches us that forbearance is not only a virtue in itself but also enhances the beauty and value of knowledge. It is through forbearance that knowledge becomes a transformative force, benefiting both individuals and society. Let us strive to adorn our pursuit of knowledge with forbearance, following the example of Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) and the teachings of the Quran. May Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) grant us the wisdom and strength to embody this noble virtue in our lives.