Hadith #6925

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,

عِنْدَ كَمالِ القُدْرَةِ تَظْهَرُ فَضيلَةُ العَفْوِ۔

This Hadith highlights the profound connection between forgiveness and possessing complete authority or power. Let us delve into the exegesis of this Hadith in light of the Quran.

The word (kamal) "كَمَال" in the Hadith refers to perfection or completeness. It signifies the state of having absolute authority and control over a situation. It is when one reaches the pinnacle of their power and capabilities. The word (al-qudrah) "القُدْرَةِ" means power or ability. It encompasses the ability to exercise control, make decisions, and enforce one's will.

The Hadith then mentions the virtue of forgiveness, using the word (fadilah) "فَضيلَةُ". This term denotes excellence, merit, or virtue. It emphasizes the moral and ethical superiority of forgiveness as a noble characteristic. Forgiveness is an act of pardoning, letting go of resentment, and choosing not to seek revenge or hold grudges.

To understand the significance of this Hadith, we can turn to the Quran for guidance. Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) repeatedly emphasizes the importance of forgiveness and its virtues. In Surah Al-Imran (3:134), Allah says,

And those who, when they commit an immorality or wrong themselves, remember Allah and seek forgiveness for their sins - and who can forgive sins except Allah? - and [who] do not persist in what they have done while they know.

This verse highlights the connection between seeking forgiveness from Allah and acknowledging one's own wrongdoings. It reminds us that forgiveness is not only sought from Allah, but it is also a quality that we should embody in our interactions with others. When we possess complete authority or power, it is an opportune moment to manifest the virtue of forgiveness.

In Surah An-Nur (24:22), Allah says,

Let them pardon and overlook. Would you not like that Allah should forgive you? And Allah is Forgiving and Merciful.

This verse encourages Muslims to pardon and overlook the faults of others. It reminds us that forgiveness is not only a means of seeking Allah's forgiveness but also a way to earn His mercy and forgiveness for ourselves.

Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ), known for his immense knowledge and wisdom, understood the significance of forgiveness. He exemplified this virtue throughout his life, even in times of great power and authority. One notable example is when he forgave his opponent, Amr ibn Abd Wudd, after defeating him in battle. Despite having the authority to seek revenge, Imam Ali chose forgiveness, displaying the virtue mentioned in the Hadith.

The Hadith of Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) reminds us that true power lies not only in the ability to exercise control but also in the ability to forgive. It highlights the moral superiority of forgiveness and encourages Muslims to embody this virtue in their interactions with others. When we possess complete authority, it is an opportunity to manifest the virtue of forgiveness, just as Imam Ali did.

In conclusion, the Hadith of Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) teaches us that forgiveness becomes manifest when one possesses complete authority. It emphasizes the importance of forgiveness as a noble characteristic and encourages Muslims to embody this virtue in their lives. By seeking forgiveness from Allah and forgiving others, we can attain His mercy and forgiveness. May Allah guide us to be forgiving and merciful, and may He grant us the ability to manifest the virtue of forgiveness in all aspects of our lives.