Hadith #8121

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 purified progeny, and his noble companions.

The Arabic Hadith of Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) states, "لايَغْلِبَنَّ غَضَبُكَ حِلْمَكَ۔" This can be translated as,

Let your anger never prevail over your forbearance.

This beautiful saying of Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) highlights the importance of controlling one's anger and maintaining patience and forbearance in all situations.

To understand the depth of this teaching, let us delve into the meanings of the key words in this Hadith. The word (ghadabuka) "غَضَبُكَ" refers to anger or rage, while (hilmaka) "حِلْمَكَ" signifies forbearance, patience, and self-restraint. Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) advises Muslims to never let their anger overpower their ability to remain calm and patient.

This teaching of Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) finds resonance in the Quran, where Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) emphasizes the importance of controlling anger and practicing forbearance. In Surah Al-Imran, verse 134, Allah says,

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 virtue of those who control their anger and forgive others, as it is an act beloved by Allah.

Furthermore, in Surah Al-A'raf, verse 199, Allah advises the believers,

Take what is given freely, enjoin what is good, and turn away from the ignorant.

This verse encourages Muslims to respond to ignorance and aggression with kindness and patience, rather than allowing anger to cloud their judgment. By doing so, they uphold the values of forbearance and maintain peace within themselves and their communities.

Imam Ali's (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) teaching serves as a reminder for Muslims to reflect upon their own behavior in moments of anger. It is natural for humans to experience anger, but it is our response to that anger that defines our character. When faced with provocation, we should strive to control our emotions and respond with patience and wisdom.

By practicing forbearance, we can avoid unnecessary conflicts and maintain harmonious relationships with others. For example, if someone insults us, instead of retaliating in anger, we can choose to respond with kindness and forgiveness. This not only diffuses the situation but also allows us to uphold the values of Islam and follow the example of our beloved Prophet Muhammad (ﷺ) and his noble companions.

Moreover, Imam Ali's (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) teaching has profound consequences for our personal growth and spiritual development. When we control our anger and exercise forbearance, we cultivate qualities such as patience, humility, and self-control. These virtues enable us to navigate through life's challenges with grace and wisdom.

In conclusion, the Hadith of Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) reminds us of the importance of controlling our anger and practicing forbearance. By doing so, we align ourselves with the teachings of the Quran and the example of our beloved Prophet Muhammad (ﷺ). Let us strive to embody these virtues in our daily lives, for in doing so, we not only improve ourselves but also contribute to a more peaceful and harmonious society. May Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) grant us the strength and wisdom to follow this noble teaching.