Hadith #5579

In the name of Allah, the Most Gracious, the Most Merciful. Praise be to Allah, the Lord of all worlds. May peace and blessings be upon our beloved Prophet Muhammad (ﷺ), his pure family, his noble companions, and all the righteous Muslims until the Day of Judgment.

The Arabic Hadith of Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) states, "الصَّبْرُ أدْفَعُ لِلضَّرَرِ۔" This can be translated as,

Patience is more repelling for harm.

In this amazing Hadith, Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) highlights the importance of patience in dealing with difficulties and adversities.

The word (sabr) "صَبْرُ" refers to patience, perseverance, and steadfastness in the face of hardships. It is a quality that enables a person to remain calm and composed, to control their emotions, and to endure trials and tribulations with fortitude. The word (adfa'u) "أدْفَعُ" means to repel or ward off, indicating that patience has the power to push away or mitigate harm.

This Hadith is in perfect harmony with the teachings of the Quran, which repeatedly emphasizes the significance of patience in various contexts. Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) says in Surah Al-Baqarah, verse 155:

And We will surely test you with something of fear and hunger and a loss of wealth and lives and fruits, but give good tidings to the patient.

This verse reminds us that trials and tribulations are an inevitable part of life, and it is through patience that we can navigate through them successfully.

Furthermore, in Surah Al-Imran, verse 200, Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) states:

O you who have believed, persevere and endure and remain stationed and fear Allah that you may be successful.

This verse encourages believers to cultivate patience and steadfastness, as it is through these qualities that success can be attained.

Imam Ali's (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) statement holds profound wisdom. When faced with harm or adversity, our natural instinct may be to react impulsively or aggressively. However, patience allows us to respond in a calm and measured manner, preventing the situation from escalating further. It enables us to think rationally and make wise decisions, rather than being driven by anger or frustration.

For example, if someone insults or mistreats us, responding with patience and forbearance can diffuse the tension and prevent the situation from escalating into a confrontation. Similarly, in times of personal loss or tragedy, patience helps us to cope with grief and find solace in the knowledge that Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) is testing us for a greater purpose.

Moreover, patience not only protects us from harm in the immediate sense but also has long-term benefits. By exercising patience, we develop resilience and inner strength, which enables us to face future challenges with greater ease. It allows us to maintain our composure and make sound decisions even in the most difficult circumstances.

In conclusion, the Hadith of Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) teaches us the invaluable lesson that patience is a powerful tool in repelling harm. It is a quality that enables us to navigate through the trials and tribulations of life with grace and resilience. By cultivating patience, we can protect ourselves from the negative consequences of impulsive reactions and find strength in the face of adversity. May Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) grant us the ability to embody the spirit of patience and may it be a source of blessings and success in this world and the hereafter.