Hadith #2847

In the name of Allah, the Most Gracious, the Most Merciful. Praise be to Allah, the Lord of all worlds, and blessings be upon Muhammad, his family, his companions, and the righteous successors.

The Arabic Hadith of Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) states, "بِالحِلْمِ تَكْثُرُ الأنْصارُ۔" which translates to

Through forbearance, supporters increase.

This Hadith highlights the importance of practicing forbearance and patience in our lives as Muslims.

Let us delve deeper into the meaning of the key words in this Hadith. "بِالحِلْمِ" refers to forbearance, patience, and self-control. It is the ability to remain calm and composed in the face of adversity, to control our anger and emotions, and to respond to challenging situations with wisdom and tranquility. "تَكْثُرُ" means to increase, multiply, or grow in number. And "الأنْصارُ" refers to the supporters or helpers of Islam, those who assist and defend the religion of Allah.

To understand the significance of forbearance in increasing supporters, we can turn to the Quran for guidance. 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 emphasizes the importance of controlling our anger and forgiving others, as it is a characteristic beloved by Allah. By practicing forbearance, we not only gain the love and pleasure of Allah, but we also attract more people towards the path of Islam.

Furthermore, in Surah Al-Furqan (25:63), Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) describes the qualities of the servants of the Most Merciful, saying,

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 highlights the importance of responding to harsh words or actions with peace and tranquility. By doing so, we not only maintain our own inner peace but also have the potential to win over the hearts of others, leading to an increase in supporters of Islam.

Imam Ali's (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) statement in this Hadith serves as a reminder for Muslims to embody the qualities of forbearance and patience in their daily lives. By practicing forbearance, we can navigate through challenging situations with grace and wisdom, thereby attracting more people towards the teachings of Islam. When faced with adversity, instead of reacting impulsively, we should strive to respond with patience and understanding. This not only reflects the true teachings of Islam but also has the potential to inspire others to follow the same path.

The consequences of practicing forbearance are far-reaching. By embodying this quality, we become ambassadors of peace and tranquility, spreading the message of Islam through our actions. Our forbearance can inspire others to seek knowledge about Islam, leading to an increase in supporters and defenders of the faith. Additionally, practicing forbearance strengthens our own character and helps us develop a deeper connection with Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ).

Reflecting on this Hadith, we are reminded of the immense knowledge and wisdom possessed by Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ). His words serve as a timeless guide for Muslims, encouraging us to cultivate the qualities of forbearance and patience in our lives. By following his example, we can contribute to the growth and prosperity of Islam, attracting more supporters and defenders of the faith.

In conclusion, the Hadith of Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) teaches us the importance of practicing forbearance in our lives. Through forbearance, we not only gain the love and pleasure of Allah but also attract more supporters to the path of Islam. By embodying this quality, we become ambassadors of peace and tranquility, spreading the message of Islam through our actions. May Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) grant us the strength and wisdom to practice forbearance in all aspects of our lives.