Hadith #1308

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 and noble Ahl al-Bayt, and his righteous companions.

The Hadith of Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) states,

A believer is one who bears with the harm that people inflict [on him] but nobody is ever harmed by him.

This impactful saying highlights the noble character of a true believer and emphasizes the importance of patience and forbearance in the face of adversity.

Let us delve into the meanings of some key words in this Hadith. The word (mu'min) "مُؤْمِنُ" refers to a believer, someone who has faith in Allah and His Messenger. The term (tahammala) "تَحَمَّلَ" means to bear or endure, while (adha) "أذَى" signifies harm or injury. The phrase (la yata'adhdha ahadun bihi) "لايَتَأذّى أحَدٌ بِهِ" translates to

but nobody is ever harmed by him.

To understand the deeper meaning of this Hadith, we can turn to the Quran for guidance. Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) says in Surah Al-A'raf (7:199),

Take to forgiveness and enjoin what is good and turn away from the ignorant.

This verse encourages believers to respond to harm and ignorance with forgiveness and good deeds. It emphasizes the importance of not causing harm to others, even in the face of adversity.

Furthermore, in Surah Al-Qasas (28:54), Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) says,

And they are those who do not invoke any deity with Allah, nor kill a soul which Allah has forbidden [to be killed], except by right, nor commit unlawful sexual intercourse. And whoever should do that will meet a penalty.

This verse highlights the sanctity of human life and the prohibition of causing harm to others without just cause.

Imam Ali's (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) statement reflects the teachings of the Quran. A true believer is one who possesses the strength to endure the harm inflicted by others without retaliating or causing harm in return. This requires a high level of self-control, patience, and a deep understanding of the teachings of Islam.

Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) himself exemplified this quality throughout his life. Despite facing numerous challenges and injustices, he remained steadfast in his commitment to justice, mercy, and forgiveness. His knowledge and wisdom allowed him to navigate difficult situations with grace and dignity, never resorting to harming others, even when provoked.

The consequences of embodying this Hadith are profound. By bearing with the harm inflicted by others and refraining from causing harm ourselves, we create an environment of peace, harmony, and compassion. We become a source of inspiration for others, showcasing the true essence of Islam and the teachings of our beloved Prophet Muhammad (ﷺ).

Reflecting on this Hadith, we are reminded of the importance of self-control and the power of forgiveness. It teaches us to rise above our ego and respond to harm with patience and kindness. It encourages us to break the cycle of violence and instead promote understanding and reconciliation.

In conclusion, the Hadith of Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) reminds us of the noble qualities that define a true believer. It emphasizes the importance of bearing with the harm inflicted by others and refraining from causing harm ourselves. By embodying these teachings, we contribute to the creation of a more compassionate and peaceful society, in line with the teachings of the Quran and the example set by the Ahl al-Bayt (عَلَيْهِمُ ٱلسَّلَامُ). May Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) grant us the strength and wisdom to embody these qualities in our lives.