Hadith #4668

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 Arabic Hadith of Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) states,

أحْضَرُ النّاسِ جَواباً مَنْ لَمْ يَغْضَبْ۔

This can be translated as,

The person most prepared to [give a] reply is one who does not get angry.

Let us delve into the meaning of some key words in this Hadith. The word (ahdar) "أحْضَرُ" refers to someone who is most prepared, ready, or quick in responding. It implies being mentally and emotionally composed, able to think clearly and provide a well-thought-out response. The word (jawaban) "جَواباً" means a reply or an answer. And (lam yaghdab) "لَمْ يَغْضَبْ" means one who does not get angry.

To understand the profound wisdom behind this Hadith, we can turn to the Quran for guidance. Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) says in Surah Al-Imran, verse 134:

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 emphasizes the importance of controlling one's anger and forgiving others. It highlights the virtues of those who are patient and composed, even in challenging situations.

Additionally, in Surah Al-Furqan, verse 63, Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) describes the qualities of the servants of the Most Merciful, stating,

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

This verse teaches us the importance of responding to ignorance and harshness with peaceful words and a calm demeanor.

Imam Ali's (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) Hadith aligns perfectly with these Quranic teachings. It emphasizes the significance of controlling our anger and maintaining composure, especially when faced with challenging situations or when engaging in discussions or debates. The one who can respond without anger is better equipped to provide a thoughtful and rational reply.

When we allow anger to cloud our judgment, our ability to think clearly and respond effectively diminishes. Anger often leads to impulsive and irrational reactions, which can escalate conflicts and hinder productive communication. By remaining calm and composed, we can better understand the perspectives of others, engage in meaningful dialogue, and find common ground.

Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ), known for his immense knowledge and wisdom, exemplified this quality throughout his life. He was renowned for his ability to remain composed even in the face of adversity. His patience and forbearance allowed him to navigate complex situations and resolve conflicts with wisdom and justice.

The consequences of implementing this Hadith in our lives are profound. By controlling our anger, we can foster healthier relationships, promote understanding, and contribute to a more harmonious society. It enables us to respond to criticism or differing opinions with grace and respect, rather than reacting impulsively and causing further division.

Reflecting on this Hadith, we should strive to cultivate the virtue of patience and self-control. We should seek to emulate the example set by Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) and the teachings of the Quran. By doing so, we can become individuals who are well-prepared to respond, not just in words, but also in character and conduct.

May Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) grant us the ability to control our anger, respond with wisdom, and embody the qualities of patience and composure. May we be among those who are quick to forgive and seek peace. And may we always strive to follow the teachings of the Quran and the noble example of the Ahl al-Bayt (عَلَيْهِمُ ٱلسَّلَامُ).