Hadith #4632

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,

الذُّلُّ في مَسْئَلَةِ النَّاسِ

which translates to

Humiliation [and disgrace] is in asking from people.

This beautiful Hadith of Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) highlights the negative consequences of constantly relying on others for our needs and desires.

To understand the deeper meaning of this Hadith, let us analyze the key words and their implications. The word (humiliation) "الذُّلُّ" refers to the state of being degraded or lowered in status. It signifies a loss of dignity and self-respect. (asking) "مَسْئَلَةِ" refers to seeking assistance or favors from others. And (people) "النَّاسِ" encompasses all individuals in society.

This Hadith reminds us that constantly seeking help from others can lead to a sense of humiliation and disgrace. It encourages Muslims to strive for self-sufficiency and independence, rather than relying solely on the assistance of others. Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) emphasizes the importance of preserving our self-respect and dignity by not burdening others with our needs.

The Quran supports this notion of self-reliance and discourages excessive dependency on others. In Surah Al-Baqarah, Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) says, (Quran 2:186)

And when My servants ask you concerning Me, indeed I am near. I respond to the invocation of the supplicant when he calls upon Me

This verse highlights the importance of turning to Allah for our needs and seeking His assistance directly.

Furthermore, in Surah Adh-Dhariyat, Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) states, (Quran 51:58)

And that it is upon Allah to provide sustenance to His servants, and He is the Powerful, the Exalted in Might

This verse reminds us that it is Allah who ultimately provides for us and sustains us. Therefore, our primary reliance should be on Him, rather than constantly seeking help from others.

Imam Ali's (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) Hadith serves as a reminder for Muslims to strive for self-sufficiency and to avoid becoming dependent on others. It encourages us to develop our skills, work hard, and seek lawful means of sustenance. By doing so, we can maintain our dignity and self-respect, and avoid the potential humiliation that comes with constantly asking from people.

Moreover, this Hadith also highlights the importance of selflessness and generosity within the Muslim community. It encourages Muslims to be proactive in helping others, rather than always being the ones in need. By fostering a culture of giving and support, we can create an environment where individuals are empowered and uplifted, rather than feeling humiliated or degraded.

In conclusion, Imam Ali's (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) Hadith reminds us of the negative consequences of constantly relying on others for our needs. It encourages Muslims to strive for self-sufficiency, while also promoting a culture of generosity and support within the community. By seeking assistance directly from Allah and working hard to provide for ourselves, we can maintain our dignity and avoid the humiliation that comes with constantly asking from people. May Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) grant us the strength and wisdom to embody the teachings of Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) and lead a life of self-reliance and dignity.