Hadith #2805

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) highlights the virtue of forbearance or patience in the face of adversity. The Arabic word (haleem) "حَلِيمُ" refers to someone who possesses the quality of forbearance, which is the ability to remain calm and composed in difficult situations. This quality is demonstrated by a person when they exercise patience and forgiveness in response to being offended or wronged.

The importance of forbearance is emphasized in the Quran as well. Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) describes Himself as (Al-Haleem) "الحَلِيمُ", the Most Forbearing. In Surah Al-Baqarah, verse 263, Allah says,

Kind speech and forgiveness are better than charity followed by injury. And Allah is Free of need and Forbearing.

This verse teaches us that forgiveness and patience are superior to acts of charity that are accompanied by harm or hurtful words.

Furthermore, in Surah Ash-Shura, verse 43, Allah says,

And indeed, He who is patient and forgives - indeed, that is of the matters [requiring] determination.

This verse highlights the significance of patience and forgiveness as qualities that require strength and determination. It is not easy to remain patient when offended or to forgive when wronged, but those who possess these qualities are praised by Allah.

Imam Ali's (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) statement in the Hadith encourages Muslims to adopt the virtue of forbearance in their lives. When someone is offended, their natural instinct may be to retaliate or seek revenge. However, the Imam reminds us that true forbearance lies in responding with patience instead. This means controlling our anger and refraining from reacting impulsively. By doing so, we not only protect ourselves from falling into sin but also maintain harmony and peace within our communities.

Moreover, the Imam emphasizes the importance of forgiveness when wronged. Forgiveness is a noble quality that not only benefits the person who is wronged but also brings about reconciliation and healing. When we forgive others, we release ourselves from the burden of holding grudges and allow for the possibility of repairing relationships. Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) encourages forgiveness in numerous verses of the Quran, such as in Surah An-Nur, verse 22, where He says,

Let them pardon and overlook. Would you not love for Allah to forgive you? And Allah is Forgiving and Merciful.

Imam Ali's (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) statement serves as a reminder to Muslims of the importance of embodying the qualities of patience and forgiveness. By practicing forbearance, we emulate the character of Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) and the teachings of the Quran. It is through patience and forgiveness that we can maintain peace within ourselves and our communities, and ultimately earn the pleasure of our Creator.

May Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) grant us the strength to be forbearing and forgiving, and may He bless us with the ability to follow the example of Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) in all aspects of our lives.