Hadith #2808

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

قَدْ يَتَزَيّي بِالحِلْمِ غَيْرُ الحَلِيمِ۔

This can be translated as,

A person who is not forbearing may at times dress in the garb of forbearance.

Let us delve into the key words of this Hadith to gain a deeper understanding. The word (hilm) "حِلْمِ" refers to forbearance, patience, and self-restraint. It is the ability to remain calm and composed in the face of adversity or provocation. On the other hand, the word (ghayr) "غَيْرُ" means "other than" or "not." Lastly, (yatazayyi) "يَتَزَيّي" can be translated as "to adorn oneself" or

to dress in the garb of.

To comprehend the significance of this Hadith, 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 forbearance and self-restraint, even in challenging circumstances. It reminds us that true forbearance is not limited to moments of ease, but it is a quality that should be displayed consistently.

Furthermore, in Surah Al-Furqan (25:63), Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) describes 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 behavior of those who possess forbearance. They respond to ignorance and harshness with words of peace, demonstrating their ability to rise above provocation and maintain composure.

Now, let us reflect on the impactful message of Imam Ali's (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) Hadith. The Hadith warns us that it is possible for someone to appear forbearing on the surface, while lacking true forbearance within. This person may temporarily adorn themselves with the qualities of forbearance, but their true nature will eventually be revealed.

Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ), known for his immense knowledge and wisdom, is cautioning us against hypocrisy. He is reminding us that true forbearance is not merely an external display, but a genuine internal quality that should be cultivated and nurtured. It is not enough to simply act forbearing in certain situations; rather, we must strive to embody forbearance in all aspects of our lives.

This Hadith serves as a reminder for Muslims to constantly evaluate their intentions and actions. It encourages us to seek sincerity in our pursuit of forbearance and to align our behavior with the teachings of the Quran. By doing so, we can avoid falling into the trap of hypocrisy and ensure that our forbearance is rooted in genuine faith and righteousness.

In conclusion, the Hadith of Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) reminds us that true forbearance is not a superficial facade, but a deeply ingrained quality that should permeate our thoughts, words, and actions. It urges us to seek authenticity in our pursuit of forbearance and to align ourselves with the teachings of the Quran. May Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) grant us the ability to embody true forbearance and to adorn ourselves with its virtues.