Hadith #8097

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 (ﷺ) and his pure progeny, the Ahl al-Bayt, as well as his noble companions.

The Arabic Hadith of Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) states:

رَدُّ الغَضَبِ بِالحِلْمِ ثَمَرَةُ العِلْمِ۔

This can be translated as:

Repelling anger with forbearance is the fruit of knowledge.

Let us delve into the meanings of the key words in this Hadith. (repelling) "رَدُّ" refers to pushing away or warding off something. (anger) "الغَضَبِ" signifies a strong emotion of displeasure or rage. (with forbearance) "بِالحِلْمِ" refers to exercising patience, self-control, and restraint in the face of provocation or anger. And finally, (the fruit of knowledge) "ثَمَرَةُ العِلْمِ" represents the outcome or result of knowledge.

To understand the profound wisdom behind this Hadith, we can turn to the Quran for guidance. Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) repeatedly emphasizes the importance of controlling anger and responding with patience and forbearance. In Surah Al-Imran, verse 134, Allah says,

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 significance of restraining anger and forgiving others, which aligns perfectly with the teachings of Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ). By repelling anger with forbearance, one demonstrates true knowledge and wisdom. It is through knowledge that one recognizes the destructive nature of anger and the virtues of patience and forgiveness.

Furthermore, in Surah Al-Furqan, verse 63, Allah 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 peaceful words and a calm demeanor. It is through knowledge and understanding that one can maintain composure and respond to provocation with wisdom and kindness.

Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ), known for his immense knowledge and wisdom, exemplified the teachings of the Quran in his own life. He faced numerous instances of provocation and hostility, yet he consistently responded with forbearance and wisdom. His knowledge enabled him to control his anger and respond in a manner that would bring about positive outcomes.

By repelling anger with forbearance, one can prevent conflicts from escalating and foster an environment of peace and understanding. It is through the cultivation of knowledge and the application of wisdom that one can truly embody the teachings of Islam.

In conclusion, the Hadith of Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) teaches us the importance of repelling anger with forbearance, which is the fruit of knowledge. By exercising patience and self-control, we can emulate the example set by Imam Ali and the teachings of the Quran. This not only benefits our personal growth but also contributes to the betterment of society as a whole. May Allah grant us the wisdom and knowledge to embody these teachings and may we strive to repel anger with forbearance in all aspects of our lives.