Editing Sunnis (section)

=== Imam al-Hussain’s forbearance ===
1. It has been recounted that Imam ‘Ali ibn al-Hussain said, “Al-Hussain used to say, ‘If someone vilifies me in my right ear and then apologizes for it in my left ear, I will surely accept his apology because I heard Amir al-Mu’minin ‘Ali ibn Abi Ṭalib narrate a hadith from my grandfather the Prophet of Allah that,<ref>Zarandi, Naẓm Durar al-Samṭayn, p. 209</ref>

لا یرد الحوض من لم یقبل العذر من محقّ او مبطل.

The one who does not accept apologies, whether the apology is true or not, will not pass the pond [hawd] of al-Kawthar’.”

2. It has been recounted that one of Imam al-Hussain’s slaves had committed an offence that required discipline. The Imam ordered that the slave should be punished for the offence. The slave implored Imam al-Hussain’s forgiveness. He appealed to the Imam by quoting verses of the Holy Qur’an. He said, “O my master! God, the Exalted, has revealed: ‘And those who restrain their anger’.”<ref>Surat Al ‘Imran 3:134</ref>

Imam al-Hussain replied, “Let him go. I have restrained my anger.” The slave continued, “And pardon men.” The Imam said, “I have pardoned you.” The slave further implored, “And Allah loves the doers of good.” The Imam said, “You are freed in the way of Allah.” After this, Imam al-Hussain gave orders that a gracious and handsome gift should be given to the freed slave.<ref>Haḍrami, Wasilah al-Ma’al, p. 183</ref>