Hadith #3032

In the name of Allah, the Most Gracious, the Most Merciful. Praise be to Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ), 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 hadith of Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) emphasizes the importance of adopting tolerance and patience in our interactions with others. The Arabic phrase (Alika bil-ihtimal) "عَلَيْكَ بِالاِحْتِمالِ" can be translated as "Adopt tolerance" or "Embrace patience." The word (ihtimal) "اِحْتِمالِ" refers to the act of bearing, enduring, or tolerating something.

Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) advises us to adopt tolerance because it serves as a means of concealing faults. This implies that when we are patient and tolerant towards others, we are more likely to overlook their mistakes and flaws, rather than exposing and magnifying them. This attitude of tolerance helps to maintain harmony and unity within the Muslim community.

The Quranic teachings also emphasize the importance of tolerance and patience. In Surah Al-Baqarah, Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) says, (Quran 8:46)

And be patient, for indeed, Allah is with the patient.

This verse reminds us that Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) is always with those who are patient and tolerant in the face of difficulties and challenges.

Furthermore, in Surah Al-Ma'idah, Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) advises the believers, (Quran 5:8)

O you who have believed, be persistently standing firm in justice, witnesses for Allah, even if it be against yourselves or parents and relatives. Whether one is rich or poor, Allah is more worthy of both. So follow not [personal] inclination, lest you not be just. And if you distort [your testimony] or refuse [to give it], then indeed Allah is ever, with what you do, Acquainted.

This verse highlights the importance of being just and fair, even if it goes against our personal inclinations or interests. It encourages us to bear witness for the truth, even if it means testifying against ourselves or our loved ones. This requires a high level of tolerance and patience, as it may involve facing opposition or criticism from others.

Imam Ali's (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) advice to adopt tolerance aligns perfectly with the Quranic teachings. By embracing patience and tolerance, we can create an atmosphere of understanding, forgiveness, and compassion within our communities. It allows us to focus on the positive aspects of others and overlook their shortcomings, thereby fostering unity and harmony among Muslims.

Moreover, adopting tolerance also has personal benefits. It helps us to control our anger and respond to challenging situations with wisdom and composure. It prevents us from engaging in unnecessary arguments and conflicts, which can lead to negative consequences and strained relationships.

In conclusion, the hadith of Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) serves as a reminder for Muslims to adopt tolerance and patience in their interactions with others. By doing so, we can conceal the faults of others, maintain unity within the Muslim community, and create an atmosphere of understanding and compassion. This advice aligns with the Quranic teachings, which emphasize the importance of patience, justice, and fairness. May Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) grant us the ability to adopt tolerance in our lives and strengthen the bonds of brotherhood and sisterhood among Muslims.