Hadith #2800

In the name of Allah, the Most Gracious, the Most Merciful. Praise be to Allah, the Lord of all the worlds. Peace and blessings be upon our beloved Prophet Muhammad (ﷺ), his pure progeny, the Ahl al-Bayt, and his noble companions.

The Arabic Hadith of Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) states,

الحليم يعلي همته فيما جني عليه من طلب سوء المكافاة

which translates to

The forbearing person raises his determination, in that which he has been oppressed, above seeking an evil retribution.

Let us delve into the meanings of the key words in this Hadith. (al-Halim) "الحليم" refers to the one who possesses the quality of forbearance, patience, and restraint. This person has the ability to control their anger and emotions, even in the face of provocation or injustice. (yu'li) "يعلي" means to elevate or raise, and (himmatuhu) "همته" refers to one's determination, resolve, or ambition. (juni) "جني" signifies being oppressed or wronged, while (talab su'il-mukafa) "طلب سوء المكافاة" means seeking evil retribution or revenge.

To understand the impactful message of this Hadith, we turn to the Quran for guidance. Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) says in Surah Al-A'raf (7:199),

Take what is given freely, enjoin what is good, and turn away from the ignorant.

This verse encourages Muslims to respond to oppression and injustice with patience, kindness, and forgiveness. It emphasizes the importance of restraining oneself from seeking revenge or retribution.

Furthermore, in Surah Ash-Shura (42:40), Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) states,

The recompense for an evil is an evil like thereof. But whoever pardons and makes reconciliation, his reward is due from Allah. Indeed, He does not like wrongdoers.

This verse highlights the principle of reciprocity in Islam, where one is allowed to respond to evil with an equivalent response. However, it also emphasizes the virtue of forgiveness and reconciliation, as it leads to a greater reward from Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ).

Imam Ali's (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) Hadith teaches us the importance of forbearance and elevating our determination in the face of oppression. It urges us to rise above seeking revenge or evil retribution, and instead, respond with patience, forgiveness, and reconciliation. By doing so, we not only demonstrate our strength of character but also align ourselves with the teachings of the Quran.

Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) himself exemplified this quality throughout his life. Despite facing numerous injustices and betrayals, he consistently displayed patience and forgiveness. One notable example is his forgiveness of the assassin who struck him during his prostration in the mosque of Kufa. Despite the severity of the attack, Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) forgave his assailant, demonstrating his unwavering commitment to the principles of forbearance and mercy.

The motivation behind Imam Ali's (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) teaching in this Hadith is to foster a society built on justice, compassion, and forgiveness. When individuals respond to oppression with patience and forgiveness, they contribute to the establishment of a harmonious and peaceful community. Moreover, by restraining their desire for revenge, they prevent the cycle of violence and promote healing and reconciliation.

The consequences of implementing this Hadith in our lives are far-reaching. On a personal level, it allows us to cultivate inner peace and tranquility by freeing ourselves from the burden of anger and resentment. It also strengthens our relationships with others, as forgiveness and forbearance create an atmosphere of love, understanding, and unity. Furthermore, on a societal level, embodying these qualities contributes to the establishment of a just and compassionate community, where conflicts are resolved through dialogue and reconciliation.

In conclusion, the Hadith of Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) teaches us the importance of forbearance and raising our determination above seeking revenge or evil retribution. By embodying these qualities, we align ourselves with the teachings of the Quran and contribute to the establishment of a just and compassionate society. May Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) grant us the strength to practice forbearance and forgiveness in all aspects of our lives.