Hadith #2811

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 purified progeny, and his noble companions.

The Arabic Hadith of Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) states, "مَنْ تَحَلَّمَ حَلُمَ۔" This can be translated as,

One who endeavours to act with forbearance becomes forbearing.

Let us delve into the deeper meaning of this impactful Hadith in light of the Quran.

The word (tahallama) "تَحَلَّمَ" in the Hadith refers to the act of striving or making an effort. It implies actively working towards a goal or adopting a particular characteristic. In this context, it signifies the effort to cultivate forbearance within oneself. The word (hulum) "حَلُمَ" means forbearance, which is the ability to remain patient and composed in the face of adversity or provocation.

The Quran emphasizes the importance of forbearance in numerous verses. Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) says 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 virtue of restraining anger and forgiving others, which are manifestations of forbearance.

Furthermore, in Surah Al-Furqan (25:63), Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) describes the servants of the Most Merciful as those who

walk upon the earth in humility, and when the ignorant address them [harshly], they say [words of] peace.

This verse exemplifies the quality of forbearance, as it encourages responding to ignorance and harshness with peaceful and gentle words.

Imam Ali's (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) Hadith emphasizes the transformative power of striving to cultivate forbearance. When one actively endeavors to develop this quality, they become forbearing. This means that through conscious effort and self-discipline, individuals can acquire the ability to remain patient and composed in challenging situations.

For example, imagine a person who is naturally quick-tempered and easily provoked. However, they recognize the importance of forbearance and make a sincere effort to control their anger. They consciously practice patience, seeking guidance from the Quran and emulating the Prophet Muhammad (ﷺ) and his Ahl al-Bayt. Over time, this person's character gradually transforms, and they become known for their forbearance and ability to handle difficult situations with grace.

The consequences of embodying forbearance are far-reaching. It not only improves one's personal relationships but also contributes to the overall harmony and well-being of society. When individuals respond to provocation with forbearance, conflicts are diffused, and understanding is fostered. This leads to a more peaceful and compassionate society, as exemplified by the life of Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) himself.

In conclusion, the Hadith of Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) reminds us of the importance of actively striving to cultivate forbearance within ourselves. By making a conscious effort to control our emotions and respond to challenging situations with patience and composure, we can transform our character and become forbearing individuals. This quality is emphasized in the Quran, which encourages us to restrain anger, forgive others, and respond to ignorance with peaceful words. May Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) grant us the ability to embody forbearance and follow in the footsteps of Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) and the righteous ones.