Hadith #4657

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 Hadith of Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) states,

Sacrificing one’s dignity by begging is greater [in value] than the extent of one’s need, even if it is great and even if it is granted.

This beautiful saying highlights the importance of self-reliance and preserving one's honor, even in times of dire need.

Let us delve into the words of this Hadith to gain a deeper understanding. The word (badhl) "بَذْلُ" means sacrificing or giving up, while (ma'u al-wajh) "ماءِ الوَجْهِ" refers to one's dignity or honor. (fi at-talab) "فِي الطَّلَبِ" means in the act of begging. The phrase (a'zamu min qadr al-hajah)

أعْظَمُ مِنْ قَدْرِ الحاجَةِ

denotes that sacrificing one's dignity is of greater value than the extent of one's need. And finally, (wa'unjihah fiha at-talab) "وَأُنْجِحَ فيهَا الطَّلَبُ" means that even if the need is great, and even if it is granted, sacrificing one's dignity by begging is still considered greater.

To understand the significance of this Hadith, we can turn to the Quran for guidance. Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) says in Surah Al-Isra (17:80),

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 emphasizes the importance of relying on Allah's sustenance and seeking His help in times of need. It encourages us to have faith and trust in Allah's provision rather than resorting to begging and compromising our dignity.

Furthermore, in Surah Al-Baqarah (2:267), Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) says,

O you who have believed, spend from the good things which you have earned and from that which We have produced for you from the earth. And do not aim toward the defective therefrom, spending [from that] while you would not take it [yourself] except with closed eyes. And know that Allah is Free of need and Praiseworthy.

This verse highlights the importance of giving from what we have earned and not seeking assistance through begging. It reminds us that Allah is the Provider and that we should rely on Him rather than compromising our self-respect.

Imam Ali's (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) statement in this Hadith serves as a reminder to Muslims that they should strive to maintain their dignity and self-reliance, even in times of hardship. It encourages us to seek lawful means of sustenance and to have faith in Allah's provision. Begging should be seen as a last resort, and one should exhaust all other options before resorting to it.

Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) was known for his immense knowledge and wisdom. His statement in this Hadith reflects his deep understanding of the Quranic teachings and his commitment to upholding the values of Islam. He reminds us that our honor and dignity should never be compromised, even in the face of adversity.

In conclusion, the Hadith of Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) teaches us the importance of self-reliance and preserving our dignity, even in times of great need. It urges us to seek lawful means of sustenance and to trust in Allah's provision. By doing so, we not only maintain our self-respect but also strengthen our faith in Allah's mercy and guidance. May Allah (تَبَارَكَ وَتَعَالَىٰ) grant us the wisdom to follow the teachings of Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) and uphold our dignity in all circumstances.