Hadith #2662

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

None is patient in the face of truth except the judicious and intelligent one.

This thought-provoking saying highlights the importance of patience and wisdom when confronted with the truth.

Let us delve into the key words of this Hadith to gain a deeper understanding. The word (sabr) "صبر", translated as patience, refers to the ability to endure and remain steadfast in the face of challenges or hardships. It is a quality highly praised in Islam and is often associated with righteousness and strength of character. The word (haq) "حق", translated as truth, encompasses the absolute reality and correctness of a matter. It is the opposite of falsehood and deception. The word (hazim) "حازِم", translated as judicious, refers to someone who is firm and resolute in their actions and decisions. They possess the ability to make sound judgments and stand up for what is right. The word (arib) "أرِيب", translated as intelligent, denotes someone who possesses deep insight, understanding, and discernment.

To further comprehend the significance of this Hadith, let us turn to the Quran for guidance. Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) says in Surah Al-Asr (103:3),

Except for those who have believed and done righteous deeds and advised each other to truth and advised each other to patience.

This verse emphasizes the importance of both truth and patience. It highlights that those who possess faith and engage in righteous actions are the ones who encourage one another towards the truth and patience.

Another verse that resonates with the Hadith is found in Surah Al-Baqarah (2:177), where Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) states,

Righteousness is not that you turn your faces toward the east or the west, but [true] righteousness is [in] one who believes in Allah, the Last Day, the angels, the Book, and the prophets and gives wealth, in spite of love for it, to relatives, orphans, the needy, the traveler, those who ask [for help], and for freeing slaves; [and who] establishes prayer and gives zakah; [those who] fulfill their promise when they promise; and [those who] are patient in poverty and hardship and during battle. Those are the ones who have been true, and it is those who are the righteous.

This verse emphasizes that true righteousness lies in belief in Allah and His teachings, as well as in acts of charity, fulfilling promises, and being patient in times of difficulty.

Now, let us reflect on the wise message conveyed by Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) in this Hadith. He highlights that only those who possess firmness and intelligence can truly exhibit patience when confronted with the truth. This means that when faced with a situation where the truth may be uncomfortable or challenging, it is the wise and discerning individuals who can endure and remain steadfast. They do not waver in their commitment to the truth, even if it goes against popular opinion or personal desires.

Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) encourages us to cultivate the qualities of firmness and intelligence within ourselves. By doing so, we can develop the strength to confront the truth and stand up for what is right, even in the face of adversity. This requires deep insight, understanding, and the ability to make sound judgments based on the teachings of Islam.

In conclusion, the Hadith of Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) serves as a reminder for Muslims to embody the qualities of patience, firmness, and intelligence when confronted with the truth. It emphasizes the importance of remaining steadfast and unwavering in our commitment to the truth, even in challenging circumstances. May Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) grant us the wisdom and strength to always seek and uphold the truth.