Hadith #5844

In the name of Allah, the Most Gracious, the Most Merciful. Praise be to Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ), the Lord of all worlds, and blessings be upon His beloved Prophet Muhammad (ﷺ), his pure progeny, and his righteous companions.

The Arabic Hadith of Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) states: "لاحِلْمَ كَالصَّمْتِ۔" This can be translated as:

There is no forbearance like silence.

Let us delve into the deeper meaning of this thought-provoking Hadith in light of the Quranic teachings. The word "lahm" in Arabic refers to forbearance, patience, or tolerance, while "kassamt" means like or similar to. Therefore, Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) is emphasizing the unparalleled virtue of remaining silent in the face of adversity or provocation.

The Quran provides numerous verses that highlight the significance of silence and its connection to forbearance. For example, in Surah Al-A'raf (7:199), Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) says:

Show forgiveness, enjoin what is good, and turn away from the ignorant.

This verse encourages Muslims to respond to ignorance and wrongdoing with forgiveness and by turning away. Remaining silent in such situations can be a manifestation of forbearance, as it demonstrates self-control and the ability to rise above the negativity.

Another verse that supports the concept of silence as a form of forbearance is found 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, they say, 'Peace!'

This verse teaches Muslims to respond to ignorant or offensive remarks with peace and tranquility, rather than engaging in arguments or retaliating with harsh words. This peaceful response is a reflection of forbearance and can be achieved through the practice of silence.

Imam Ali's (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) statement holds immense wisdom and practical guidance for Muslims. By choosing to remain silent in the face of provocation or injustice, we can preserve our dignity, maintain inner peace, and avoid escalating conflicts. Silence allows us to reflect, control our emotions, and respond with wisdom rather than impulsiveness. It is a powerful tool that can diffuse tense situations and promote understanding and reconciliation.

Moreover, silence can also serve as a means of self-purification and spiritual growth. By refraining from engaging in negative speech or gossip, we protect ourselves from the sins of the tongue and cultivate a sense of mindfulness and awareness. This practice aligns with the Quranic teachings that emphasize the importance of guarding one's speech and using it for beneficial purposes.

In conclusion, Imam Ali's (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) statement,

There is no forbearance like silence,

highlights the virtue of remaining silent in the face of adversity or provocation. This concept finds support in various Quranic verses that emphasize forgiveness, turning away from ignorance, and responding with peace. By practicing silence, Muslims can embody forbearance, maintain their dignity, and promote peace and understanding in their interactions with others. May Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) grant us the wisdom and strength to practice this noble virtue in our lives.