Hadith #7221

In the name of Allah, the Most Gracious, the Most Merciful. Praise be to Allah, 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 Arabic Hadith of Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) states,

إنَّما اللَّبِيبُ مَنِ اسْتَسَلَّ الأحْقادَ۔

This can be translated as,

Only he is intelligent who takes out the grudges [from his heart].

Let us delve into the deeper meaning of this beautiful Hadith of Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) and explore its significance in light of the Quranic teachings.

The word (labib) "لَّبِيبُ" in this Hadith refers to someone who possesses true intelligence and wisdom. It goes beyond mere intellect and encompasses a deep understanding of the realities of life. It implies having the ability to perceive and comprehend the consequences of one's actions, as well as the ability to make sound judgments and decisions.

Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) states that true intelligence lies in (istasalla al-ahqad) "اسْتَسَلَّ الأحْقادَ", which means to remove or eliminate grudges from one's heart. Grudges, or harboring ill feelings towards others, can be detrimental to one's spiritual and emotional well-being. They create a toxic environment within oneself and hinder personal growth and development.

To understand the significance of removing grudges, we can turn to the teachings of the Quran. Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) says in Surah Al-Hujurat (49:10),

The believers are but brothers, so make settlement between your brothers. And fear Allah that you may receive mercy.

This verse emphasizes the importance of maintaining brotherhood and unity among believers. It encourages us to resolve conflicts and disputes in a peaceful manner, without holding grudges.

Furthermore, in Surah Al-Hashr (59:9), Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) says,

And those who came after them say, 'Our Lord, forgive us and our brothers who preceded us in faith and put not in our hearts [any] resentment toward those who have believed. Our Lord, indeed You are Kind and Merciful.'

This verse highlights the importance of seeking forgiveness and purifying our hearts from any resentment towards our fellow believers.

Imam Ali's (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) statement serves as a reminder to Muslims to let go of grudges and animosity towards others. By doing so, we not only free ourselves from the burden of negative emotions but also pave the way for reconciliation and unity within the Muslim community.

Removing grudges requires introspection and self-reflection. It requires us to examine our own hearts and identify the root causes of our negative feelings towards others. It may involve acknowledging our own shortcomings and seeking forgiveness from those we have wronged. It also requires us to adopt a forgiving and compassionate attitude towards others, even in the face of adversity.

By practicing forgiveness and letting go of grudges, we create an atmosphere of love, compassion, and understanding within our communities. We become agents of peace and reconciliation, following the example set by the Prophet Muhammad (ﷺ) and his noble companions.

In conclusion, the Hadith of Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) teaches us that true intelligence lies in removing grudges from our hearts. It reminds us of the importance of forgiveness, unity, and brotherhood within the Muslim community. By letting go of grudges and embracing forgiveness, we not only attain personal growth and spiritual upliftment but also contribute to the establishment of a harmonious and compassionate society. May Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) grant us the wisdom and strength to embody the teachings of this Hadith in our lives.