Hadith #315

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,

مَاءُ وَجْهِكَ جَامِدٌ يُقْطِرُهُ السُّؤَالُ، فَانْظُرْ عِنْدَ مَنْ تُقْطِرُهُ۔

This Hadith emphasizes the importance of preserving one's dignity and honor, cautioning against the act of begging in a manner that diminishes one's self-respect.

Let us delve into the key words of this Hadith to gain a deeper understanding. The word "مَاءُ وَجْهِكَ" refers to the water or moisture of one's face, symbolizing one's dignity, honor, and self-respect. It represents the integrity and nobility of a person's character. The word "جَامِدٌ" means solid or firm, indicating the strength and stability of one's dignity. On the other hand, the word "السُّؤَالُ" refers to begging or seeking assistance from others.

To comprehend the beautiful message of this Hadith, we turn to the Quran for guidance. Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) states in Surah Al-Hujurat (49:13),

O mankind, indeed We have created you from male and female and made you peoples and tribes that you may know one another. Indeed, the most noble of you in the sight of Allah is the most righteous of you. Indeed, Allah is Knowing and Acquainted.

This verse highlights the importance of recognizing the inherent dignity and worth of every individual. It teaches us that true nobility lies in righteousness and piety, not in material possessions or social status. Therefore, Imam Ali's (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) Hadith serves as a reminder to Muslims that their dignity should not be compromised by engaging in actions that undermine their self-respect.

Furthermore, the Quran encourages self-sufficiency and discourages dependency on others. In Surah Al-Isra (17:80), Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) says,

And say: My Lord! Cause me to come in with a firm incoming and to go out with a firm outgoing. And give me from Thy presence a sustaining Power.

This verse teaches us to rely on Allah's provision and to strive for self-sufficiency, rather than resorting to begging or seeking assistance in a manner that compromises our dignity.

Imam Ali's (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) Hadith serves as a cautionary reminder to Muslims to carefully consider the consequences of their actions before engaging in begging. Begging, when done in a way that diminishes one's self-respect, can erode the solid foundation of dignity and honor that one possesses. It is essential to reflect upon the character and intentions of those before whom we seek assistance, ensuring that our dignity remains intact.

For instance, if a person were to beg from someone who is known for their arrogance and disrespect towards others, it would not only compromise their own dignity but also reinforce the negative behavior of the person being begged from. On the other hand, if one seeks assistance from someone who is known for their kindness and compassion, it may not have the same detrimental effect on their dignity.

In conclusion, Imam Ali's (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) Hadith emphasizes the importance of preserving one's dignity and honor. It urges Muslims to carefully consider the consequences of their actions before engaging in begging or seeking assistance in a manner that compromises their self-respect. By reflecting upon the character and intentions of those before whom we seek help, we can ensure that our dignity remains solid and intact. May Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) guide us to uphold our dignity and honor in all aspects of our lives.