Hadith #62

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 provided Hadith of Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) states,

To miss what one needs is easier than to beg from an inappropriate person.

This wise utterance highlights the importance of seeking assistance from the right source, rather than compromising one's dignity by seeking help from someone who is not qualified or deserving.

Let us delve into the key words of this Hadith to gain a deeper understanding. The word (haajah) "حَاجَةِ" refers to a need or requirement, while (talabiha) "طَلَبِهَا" means to seek or ask for it. The term (ghayr) "غَيْرِ" signifies someone who is inappropriate or unworthy, and (ahliha) "أَهْلِهَا" refers to those who are deserving or qualified.

To further comprehend the significance of this Hadith, we can turn to the Quran for guidance. Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) emphasizes the importance of seeking help and support from the right sources in Surah Al-Baqarah, verse 45:

And seek help through patience and prayer, and indeed, it is difficult except for the humbly submissive [to Allah].

This verse reminds us that seeking assistance from Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) through patience and prayer is the most effective and honorable way to fulfill our needs. It highlights the importance of relying on Allah's guidance and seeking His help in times of difficulty, rather than turning to those who may not be deserving or capable of providing the assistance we require.

Imam Ali's (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) statement serves as a reminder to Muslims that it is better to endure the hardship of lacking something we need than to compromise our principles and seek help from someone who is not qualified or deserving. This principle aligns with the teachings of the Quran, which emphasize the importance of maintaining our dignity and integrity in all aspects of life.

By adhering to this principle, we not only preserve our self-respect but also uphold the values of justice and fairness. Seeking help from an inappropriate person may lead to negative consequences, such as compromising our values, being exploited, or receiving assistance that is not in our best interest. On the other hand, patiently enduring the lack of what we need allows us to maintain our integrity and seek assistance from the appropriate sources, such as Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) and those who are deserving.

Imam Ali's (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) profound statement serves as a timeless lesson for Muslims, reminding us to prioritize seeking help and support from the right sources. It encourages us to rely on Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) and those who are deserving, rather than compromising our dignity and seeking assistance from those who may not have our best interests at heart.

In conclusion, the Hadith of Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) teaches us the importance of seeking help and support from the appropriate sources. It reminds us to prioritize our dignity and integrity, even in times of need, and to rely on Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) and those who are deserving. By adhering to this principle, we can navigate through life with honor and righteousness, knowing that our needs will be fulfilled in the most honorable and beneficial manner. May Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) guide us all to seek assistance from the right sources and grant us the strength to endure hardships with patience and reliance on Him.