Hadith #5529

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,

الصبرُ أنْ يَحْتَمِلَ الرَّجُلُ ما يَنُوبُهُ وَيَكْظِمَ ما يُغْضِبُهُ

which translates to,

Patience is for a person to bear that which befalls him and to suppress [his anger with] that which enrages him.

The word (sabr) "صبر" in this Hadith refers to patience. It is derived from the root word "ص ب ر" which means to restrain, endure, or persevere. Patience is a virtue that encompasses various aspects of self-control, resilience, and steadfastness in the face of trials and tribulations.

To understand the significance of patience in Islam, we can turn to the Quran for guidance. Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) repeatedly emphasizes the importance of patience and its rewards. In Surah Al-Baqarah, Allah says, (Quran 2:155)

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 highlights that patience is not only a virtue but also a means of attaining divine blessings and rewards.

Furthermore, Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) describes the believers as those who possess patience in Surah Al-Asr, saying, (Quran 103:1-3)

By time, indeed, mankind is in loss, 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 that patience is an essential characteristic of a true believer.

Imam Ali's (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) Hadith further elaborates on the concept of patience by highlighting two important aspects. Firstly, it emphasizes the need to bear with patience whatever befalls a person. This includes facing hardships, difficulties, and challenges with a steadfast heart and a calm demeanor. It encourages Muslims to accept the decree of Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) and trust in His wisdom, knowing that every trial has a purpose and a lesson.

Secondly, the Hadith emphasizes the importance of suppressing anger. Anger is a natural emotion that can cloud one's judgment and lead to regrettable actions. By controlling and suppressing anger, a person demonstrates self-discipline and restraint. This not only prevents harm to oneself and others but also allows for the preservation of peace and harmony within society.

To further understand the significance of this Hadith, let us consider some examples. Imagine a person who faces financial difficulties and is struggling to make ends meet. Instead of succumbing to despair or resorting to unlawful means, they exercise patience by seeking lawful avenues, working hard, and trusting in Allah's provision. Their patience enables them to navigate through the challenges and eventually find relief and success.

Similarly, consider a situation where someone is subjected to verbal abuse or injustice. Instead of reacting impulsively and escalating the situation, they exercise patience by controlling their anger and responding with kindness and forgiveness. This not only diffuses the tension but also allows for the possibility of reconciliation and growth.

The consequences of practicing patience are manifold. On an individual level, patience strengthens one's character, increases resilience, and fosters personal growth. It enables a person to maintain a positive mindset and seek solutions rather than dwelling on problems. Moreover, patience is a means of attaining spiritual elevation and closeness to Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ).

On a societal level, patience promotes harmony, understanding, and empathy. It allows for the resolution of conflicts through peaceful means and encourages dialogue and reconciliation. Patience also plays a crucial role in building strong relationships, as it fosters forgiveness, compassion, and tolerance.

In conclusion, the Hadith of Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) highlights the importance of patience in Islam. It calls upon Muslims to bear with patience the trials and tribulations that befall them and to control their anger in the face of provocation. Patience is a virtue that is rewarded by Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) and is essential for personal growth, societal harmony, and spiritual elevation. May Allah grant us the strength to embody patience in our lives and may He bless us with its rewards.