Hadith #2874

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 Hadith of Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) states,

لاعِلْمَ لِمَنْ لاحِلْمَ لَهُ۔

This powerful statement translates to

One who has no forbearance has no knowledge.

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

The word (hilm) "حِلْمَ" in Arabic refers to forbearance, patience, and self-control. It is the ability to remain calm and composed in the face of adversity, to control one's emotions, and to exercise restraint. This quality is highly valued in Islam and is considered a fundamental aspect of knowledge and wisdom.

Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) emphasizes the importance of forbearance in numerous verses of the Quran. In Surah Al-Imran, Allah says, (Quran 3:133-134)

And hasten to forgiveness from your Lord and a garden as wide as the heavens and earth, prepared for the righteous 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 highlights the connection between forbearance and righteousness. Those who possess forbearance are able to control their anger and forgive others, even in difficult circumstances. They are the ones who are beloved to Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) and are promised a great reward in the hereafter.

Furthermore, in Surah Al-Furqan, Allah describes the characteristics of His servants, saying, (Quran 25:63)

And the servants of the Most Merciful are those who walk upon the earth in humility, and when the ignorant address them [harshly], they say [words of] peace.

This verse highlights the importance of responding to ignorance and harshness with peace and kindness. It is through forbearance that one can maintain humility and respond to negativity with grace and wisdom. This is a quality that distinguishes the true servants of Allah.

Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ), known for his immense knowledge and wisdom, emphasizes that forbearance is an essential component of true knowledge. Without forbearance, knowledge becomes incomplete and lacks the ability to bring about positive change in oneself and society.

When one lacks forbearance, they are prone to react impulsively, making hasty judgments and decisions. They may become easily angered, leading to conflicts and misunderstandings. Such a person is unable to control their emotions and lacks the ability to think rationally and objectively.

On the other hand, a person who possesses forbearance is able to navigate challenging situations with wisdom and patience. They are able to listen attentively, consider different perspectives, and respond in a manner that promotes understanding and harmony. Their knowledge is not limited to theoretical concepts but is manifested in their actions and interactions with others.

Forbearance is not a sign of weakness, but rather a sign of strength and wisdom. It requires self-discipline and the ability to control one's desires and impulses. By practicing forbearance, one can cultivate a peaceful and harmonious environment, fostering unity and cooperation among individuals.

In conclusion, the Hadith of Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) teaches us that true knowledge is inseparable from forbearance. It is through forbearance that we can embody the teachings of the Quran and the example of the Prophet Muhammad (ﷺ). By cultivating this noble quality, we can attain a deeper understanding of ourselves, others, and the world around us. May Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) grant us the wisdom and strength to embody forbearance in our lives.