Hadith #191

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.

The provided Hadith of Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) emphasizes the importance of forbearance and self-control in our interactions with others. Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) advises us that if we are unable to exercise patience and self-restraint, we should at least pretend to do so. This is because it is rare for someone to associate themselves with a particular group or adopt their characteristics without eventually becoming like them.

Let us delve deeper into the words used in this Hadith. The word (halīman) "حَلِيماً" refers to being patient, forbearing, and having self-control. It encompasses the ability to remain calm and composed in the face of adversity or provocation. The word (taḥallam) "تَحَلَّمْ" means to pretend or feign something, in this case, pretending to be patient and forbearing even if one is not naturally inclined to be so. The word (tashabbaha) "تَشَبَّهَ" means to resemble or imitate someone or a group.

To understand the significance of this Hadith, let us turn to the Quran for guidance. Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) repeatedly emphasizes the virtues of patience and self-control. In Surah Al-Baqarah, verse 153, Allah says,

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

This verse highlights the importance of patience as a means of seeking assistance from Allah during challenging times.

Furthermore, in Surah Al-Imran, verse 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 persevere and endure in the face of difficulties, reminding us that success lies in remaining steadfast and patient.

The Hadith of Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) complements these Quranic teachings by highlighting the consequences of associating oneself with a particular group or adopting their characteristics. Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) warns that if we imitate a group that lacks patience and self-control, we are likely to become like them. This serves as a reminder for us to choose our companions wisely and to be cautious of the influence they may have on our behavior and character.

For example, if we surround ourselves with individuals who are quick-tempered and lack patience, we may find ourselves adopting similar traits. On the other hand, if we associate with those who possess patience and self-control, we are more likely to develop these qualities ourselves.

The motivation behind Imam Ali's (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) advice is to protect ourselves from negative influences and to strive for self-improvement. By pretending to be patient and forbearing, even if it does not come naturally to us, we can gradually develop these virtues within ourselves. This pretense can act as a stepping stone towards genuine patience and self-control.

The consequences of failing to exercise patience and self-control are numerous. It can lead to strained relationships, hasty decisions, and regretful actions. By imitating those who possess these virtues, we can avoid these negative consequences and instead cultivate positive qualities within ourselves.

In conclusion, the Hadith of Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) serves as a reminder for Muslims to prioritize patience and self-control in their interactions with others. It highlights the importance of choosing our companions wisely and being cautious of the influence they may have on our behavior. By pretending to be patient and forbearing, even if it does not come naturally to us, we can gradually develop these virtues within ourselves. May Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) grant us the strength and wisdom to embody these qualities and protect us from negative influences.