Hadith #6904

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,

اِغْتَفِرْ ما أغْضَبَكَ لِما أرْضاكَ۔

This profound saying can be translated as,

Forgive that which angers you for the sake of that which pleases you.

Let us delve into the exegesis of this Hadith by examining the key words and their meanings. The word (ightarif) "اِغْتَفِرْ" is derived from the root word (ghafara) "غَفَرَ", which means to forgive or pardon. It implies seeking forgiveness and letting go of anger or resentment. The word (aghda'baka) "أغْضَبَكَ" comes from the root word (ghadaba) "غَضَبَ", which means anger or displeasure. It refers to those actions or words that provoke our anger. Finally, the word (ardhaka) "أرْضاكَ" is derived from the root word (radiya) "رَضِيَ", which means to please or satisfy. It signifies those actions or words that bring us joy or contentment.

To understand the depth and significance of this Hadith, we can turn to the Quran for guidance. Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) repeatedly emphasizes the virtues of forgiveness and the importance of controlling our anger. In Surah Al-Imran (3:134), Allah says,

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 highlights the connection between forgiveness, self-control, and the love of Allah. By forgiving others, we demonstrate our ability to control our anger and earn the love and pleasure of Allah.

Furthermore, in Surah Ash-Shura (42:37), Allah advises Prophet Muhammad (ﷺ) to forgive those who wrong him, saying,

And those who avoid the major sins and immoralities, and when they are angry, they forgive.

This verse emphasizes the importance of forgiveness even when we are provoked or angered. It encourages us to rise above our negative emotions and respond with forgiveness and kindness.

The Hadith of Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) echoes these Quranic teachings and provides us with a practical approach to dealing with anger and resentment. It teaches us to forgive those who have angered us, not out of weakness, but for the sake of pleasing Allah. By doing so, we not only release ourselves from the burden of anger but also cultivate a sense of inner peace and tranquility.

Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ), known for his immense knowledge and wisdom, understood the power of forgiveness. He recognized that holding onto anger and resentment only leads to further negativity and harm. By forgiving others, we free ourselves from the shackles of bitterness and open the doors to personal growth and spiritual elevation.

The consequences of implementing this Hadith in our lives are profound. When we choose to forgive, we break the cycle of negativity and promote harmony and unity within our communities. Forgiveness allows us to build stronger relationships and fosters an environment of compassion and understanding. Additionally, forgiving others is an act of worship that brings us closer to Allah and earns His pleasure.

Reflecting on this Hadith, we can find numerous examples from the life of Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) that exemplify his commitment to forgiveness. One such example is the incident of the Battle of Jamal, where despite facing betrayal and opposition, Imam Ali forgave those who had wronged him. His forgiveness not only diffused the tension but also paved the way for reconciliation and unity among the Muslims.

In conclusion, the Hadith of Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) teaches us the profound virtue of forgiveness. It urges us to let go of our anger and resentment for the sake of pleasing Allah. By forgiving others, we not only attain inner peace but also contribute to the betterment of our communities. Let us strive to embody the teachings of this Hadith and follow in the footsteps of Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ), the paragon of knowledge and forgiveness. May Allah guide us all on the path of forgiveness and grant us the strength to forgive those who have wronged us.