Hadith #9254

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 provided Hadith of Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) advises Muslims to suppress their anger and overlook the faults of others, even when they have authority. This guidance emphasizes the importance of controlling one's emotions and maintaining a forgiving and merciful attitude towards others. Let us delve into the deeper meanings of this Hadith in light of the Quran.

The first word in the Hadith is (ikzam) "اِكْظَمِ", which means to suppress or restrain. It implies the need to control and manage one's anger, preventing it from manifesting in harmful actions or words. Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) also emphasizes the importance of controlling anger in the Quran, stating in Surah Al-Imran (3:134):

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 significance of restraining anger and forgiving others, as it is a characteristic beloved by Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ). By suppressing our anger, we demonstrate our ability to control our emotions and exhibit patience and forbearance, which are qualities highly regarded in Islam.

The next phrase in the Hadith is (indal ghadab) "عِنْدَ الغَضَبِ", which means

when you are angry.

This phrase acknowledges that anger is a natural emotion that can arise in various situations. However, it reminds us of the importance of not allowing anger to dictate our actions or cloud our judgment. Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) advises in Surah Al-Isra (17:53):

And tell My servants to say that which is best. Indeed, Satan induces [dissension] among them. Indeed Satan is ever, to mankind, a clear enemy.

This verse encourages us to respond to provocation with words of kindness and wisdom, rather than succumbing to anger. By doing so, we protect ourselves from the influence of Satan and maintain harmonious relationships with others.

The Hadith then advises us to (tajawaz ma'a ad-dawla) "تَجاوَزْ مَعَ الدَّوْلَةِ", which means to overlook or forgive despite having authority. This phrase highlights the importance of forgiveness, even when one has the power to hold others accountable. Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) reminds us in Surah An-Nur (24:22):

And let them pardon and overlook. Would you not like that Allah should forgive you? And Allah is Forgiving and Merciful.

This verse emphasizes the reciprocal nature of forgiveness. When we forgive others, Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) is more likely to forgive us. By choosing to overlook the faults of others, especially when we have authority over them, we demonstrate humility and mercy, qualities that are highly valued in Islam.

The Hadith concludes by stating, (takun laka al-'aqibah) "تَكُنْ لَكَ العاقِبَةُ", which means

the outcome will be in your favor.

This phrase highlights the positive consequences of suppressing anger and forgiving others. When we control our anger and choose forgiveness over retaliation, we create an environment of peace and harmony. This, in turn, fosters stronger relationships and allows for the resolution of conflicts in a more constructive manner.

In conclusion, the Hadith of Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) advises Muslims to suppress their anger and forgive others, even when they have authority. This guidance aligns with the teachings of the Quran, which emphasize the importance of controlling anger, responding with kindness, and practicing forgiveness. By following this advice, we can cultivate a more compassionate and peaceful society, where conflicts are resolved through understanding and forgiveness. May Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) grant us the strength to control our anger and the wisdom to forgive others, for He is the Most Merciful and Forgiving.