Hadith #3035

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 Arabic Hadith of Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) states,

مِنَ الْكَرَمِ اِحْتِمالُ جِناياتِ الإخْوانِ۔

This can be translated as,

It is part of honor to tolerate the wrongdoings of [one’s] brothers.

Let us delve into the deeper meaning of this impactful Hadith in light of the Quran. The key word in this Hadith is (ihtimalu) "اِحْتِمالُ", which means "to tolerate" or "to bear." This implies that part of true honor lies in the ability to patiently endure the mistakes and faults of our fellow Muslims, especially our brothers and sisters in faith.

The Quran emphasizes the importance of forgiveness and patience in numerous verses. For example, in Surah Al-Imran (3:134), Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) says,

Those who spend [in Allah's cause] during ease and hardship and who restrain anger and who pardon the people - and Allah loves the doers of good.

This verse highlights the virtue of restraining anger and forgiving others, which aligns perfectly with the teachings of Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ).

Furthermore, in Surah Al-Hujurat (49:11), Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) advises,

O you who have believed, let not a people ridicule [another] people; perhaps they may be better than them; nor let women ridicule [other] women; perhaps they may be better than them. And do not insult one another and do not call each other by [offensive] nicknames.

This verse emphasizes the importance of not ridiculing or insulting others, as it undermines the spirit of brotherhood and unity among Muslims.

Imam Ali's (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) statement encourages us to go beyond merely refraining from ridiculing or insulting others. It urges us to actively bear the burdens of our brothers and sisters, even when they make mistakes or wrong us. This act of tolerance and forgiveness is a manifestation of true honor and nobility of character.

By practicing this teaching of Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ), we can foster a sense of unity and compassion within the Muslim community. When we choose to tolerate the wrongdoings of our fellow Muslims, we create an environment of forgiveness and understanding. This, in turn, strengthens the bonds of brotherhood and sisterhood, and helps us collectively strive towards righteousness.

It is important to note that tolerating the wrongdoings of others does not mean condoning or enabling their actions. Rather, it means showing mercy and compassion, while also guiding and advising them towards the right path. Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) himself exemplified this quality through his immense knowledge and wisdom. He would patiently address the mistakes of others, offering guidance and support, rather than resorting to anger or condemnation.

In conclusion, the Hadith of Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) teaches us that part of true honor lies in our ability to tolerate the wrongdoings of our fellow Muslims. This teaching is in line with the Quranic emphasis on forgiveness, patience, and unity within the Muslim community. By embodying this virtue, we can foster an environment of compassion and understanding, and strengthen the bonds of brotherhood and sisterhood among Muslims. May Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) grant us the wisdom and strength to practice this noble teaching in our lives.