The Tolerance of Imam Hasan (as)

“A heart that forgives is greater than a sword that conquers.”

In the golden city of Madinah, when the streets were quiet after the afternoon sun had passed, Imam Hasan (as), the noble grandson of the Prophet (s), was walking with calm grace. His face shone with the serenity of one who carried no hatred within him.

A man from Syria, poisoned by the words of the enemies of Ahlulbayt (as), recognised the Imam and rushed towards him. His eyes were full of anger. Without restraint, he hurled insults, cursing the Imam and his father, Amir al-Mu’minin (as). The crowd froze, waiting for the Imam’s response.

But Imam Hasan (as) did not shout, nor did he frown. He simply looked at the man with compassion, as if he were a lost traveller. When the Syrian paused, panting from his own fury, the Imam smiled gently and said,

“O man, I think you are a stranger in this city. Perhaps you are mistaken about who I am. If you seek food, I will feed you. If you need clothes, I will clothe you. If you are in need of a home, come with me and be my guest.”

The man’s anger melted away. His face turned pale, his voice broke, and he wept.

He said, “I came to you hating you more than any man on earth, but now there is no one more beloved to me than you.”

That day, Madinah witnessed a miracle greater than any battle won — the conquest of a heart through mercy.

Lesson:

The Ahlulbayt (as) taught that true strength lies not in overpowering others, but in conquering one’s own anger. Their tolerance was not weakness, but the pure reflection of divine mercy — a light that could turn hatred into love.