Hadith #2824

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, and his noble companions.

In this profound hadith, Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) teaches us about the true strength of a person. He states,

The strongest of all people is the one who overcomes his anger with his forbearance.

Let us delve into the meaning of this hadith and explore its significance in light of the Quran.

Firstly, let us examine the key words in this hadith. The word (Aqwa) "أقْوىَ" means "the strongest" or "the most powerful." It refers to both physical and inner strength. (An-Nas) "النّاسِ" means "people" or "human beings." (Man) "مَنْ" means "the one who" or "whoever." (Qawiya) "قَوِيَ" means "overcomes" or "conquers." (Ghadabihi) "غَضَبِهِ" means "his anger." Finally, (Bi-Hilmih) "بِحِلْمِهِ" means "with his forbearance" or "with his patience."

To understand the depth of this hadith, let us turn to the Quran for guidance. Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) says in Surah Al-Imran, verse 134:

Those 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 emphasizes the importance of controlling anger and pardoning others, which aligns perfectly with the message of Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ).

Furthermore, in Surah Ash-Shura, verse 37, Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) describes the qualities of the righteous:

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

This verse highlights the virtue of forgiveness even when one is provoked or angered. It is a characteristic of the righteous to overcome anger with patience and forgiveness.

Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) teaches us that true strength lies in controlling our anger and responding with forbearance. It is easy to become overwhelmed by anger and react impulsively, but it takes great strength to remain calm and composed in the face of provocation. By doing so, we not only display self-control but also prevent the escalation of conflicts and promote harmony.

Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) himself exemplified this quality throughout his life. His knowledge and wisdom allowed him to exercise patience and restraint even in the most challenging situations. One such example is the Battle of Jamal, where he displayed remarkable forbearance despite facing opposition and betrayal. His ability to overcome anger with patience not only preserved his own integrity but also prevented further bloodshed among the Muslims.

The consequences of practicing forbearance are far-reaching. When we control our anger and respond with patience, we foster an environment of peace and understanding. Our relationships with others improve, and conflicts are resolved amicably. Moreover, Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) promises great rewards for those who practice forbearance. In Surah Ash-Shura, verse 43, Allah says,

And the recompense of an evil deed is an evil one like it. But whoever pardons and makes reconciliation - his reward is [due] from Allah.

Reflecting on this hadith, we must strive to emulate the strength of character demonstrated by Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ). We should seek to control our anger, respond with patience, and forgive others. By doing so, we not only strengthen ourselves but also contribute to the betterment of society. May Allah (تَبَارَكَ وَتَعَالَىٰ) grant us the strength to overcome our anger with forbearance and bless us with His mercy and forgiveness.

And Allah knows best.