Hadith #2806

In the name of Allah, the Most Gracious, the Most Merciful. Praise be to Allah, the Lord of all the 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,

جالِسِ الحُلَماءَ تَزْدَدْ حِلْماً۔

This can be translated as,

Sit in the company of the forbearing and you will increase your forbearance.

Let us delve into the meaning of this Hadith and explore its significance in light of the Quran. The word (forbearing) "حُلَماءَ" is derived from the root word "حَلَم" which means patience, tolerance, and forbearance. It refers to individuals who possess the quality of patience and are able to control their emotions in challenging situations.

The Hadith emphasizes the importance of surrounding oneself with people who possess the virtue of forbearance. By doing so, one can enhance their own ability to exercise patience and tolerance. This Hadith highlights the positive influence that the company of the forbearing can have on an individual's character development.

In the Quran, Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) repeatedly emphasizes the importance of patience and forbearance. In Surah Al-Imran (3:200), Allah says,

O you who have believed, persevere and endure and remain stationed and fear Allah that you may be successful.

This verse encourages believers to have patience and endurance in the face of challenges, and to seek the company of those who possess these qualities.

Furthermore, in Surah Al-Baqarah (2:153), Allah says,

O you who have believed, seek help through patience and prayer. Indeed, Allah is with the patient.

This verse reminds us that patience is not only a virtue, but it is also a means of seeking Allah's assistance and support. By sitting in the company of the forbearing, we can learn from their example and strengthen our own patience and reliance on Allah.

The Hadith of Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) encourages us to actively seek out the company of those who possess the quality of forbearance. By doing so, we can learn from their wisdom, observe their behavior in challenging situations, and adopt their positive traits. This Hadith serves as a reminder that our environment and the people we associate with have a profound impact on our character and spiritual growth.

For example, if we surround ourselves with individuals who are quick-tempered and lack patience, we may find ourselves adopting similar behavior. On the other hand, if we choose to spend time with those who possess forbearance, we can learn from their calmness and develop the ability to handle difficult situations with grace and composure.

The consequences of following the advice of this Hadith are far-reaching. By increasing our forbearance, we can improve our relationships with others, maintain peace within ourselves, and navigate through life's challenges with resilience. Additionally, the virtue of forbearance is highly regarded in Islam, and those who possess it are praised in the Quran and the teachings of the Prophet Muhammad (ﷺ).

In conclusion, the Hadith of Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) urges us to seek the company of the forbearing in order to enhance our own forbearance. This Hadith aligns with the teachings of the Quran, which emphasize the importance of patience and endurance. By surrounding ourselves with individuals who possess the quality of forbearance, we can learn from their example, strengthen our own character, and seek Allah's support in times of difficulty. May Allah grant us the wisdom to choose our companions wisely and increase our forbearance.