Hadith #8473

In the name of Allah, the Most Gracious, the Most Merciful. Praise be to Allah, the Lord of all worlds, and blessings be upon Muhammad (ﷺ) and his pure progeny, the Ahl al-Bayt, as well as his noble companions.

The Hadith of Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) states,

The poor person is [like] a stranger (or is scorned) in his hometown.

This Hadith highlights the plight of the poor and their marginalized status within their own communities. To fully understand the depth of this Hadith, let us delve into the meanings of the key words.

The word (faqeer) "فَقِير" refers to a person who is poor, lacking in material wealth or resources. This person is in a state of need and dependency, struggling to meet their basic needs. The word (watan) "وَطِن" means hometown or place of origin, the familiar surroundings where one is expected to find comfort and support. The word (ghurba) "غُرْبَة" can be translated as stranger or alienation, indicating a sense of isolation and detachment from one's community.

To shed light on the significance of this Hadith, we turn to the Quran for guidance. 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 emphasizes the importance of seeking Allah's support and guidance in all aspects of life, including the challenges faced by the poor.

Furthermore, in Surah Al-Haj (22:27), Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) states,

And proclaim to mankind the Hajj (pilgrimage). They will come to you on foot and on every lean camel, they will come from every deep and distant (wide) mountain highway (to perform Hajj).

This verse highlights the unity and equality of all Muslims during the Hajj pilgrimage, regardless of their social status or wealth. It serves as a reminder that in the eyes of Allah, all believers are equal and deserving of respect and dignity.

The Hadith of Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) draws attention to the social and economic challenges faced by the poor. It highlights the unfortunate reality that poverty often leads to social exclusion and marginalization, even within one's own community. The poor person, burdened by their financial struggles, may find themselves alienated and overlooked by those who are more fortunate.

This Hadith serves as a call to action for Muslims to be compassionate and supportive towards the poor. It reminds us of our duty to alleviate the suffering of those in need and to create an inclusive society where everyone feels valued and respected. Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ), known for his deep knowledge and wisdom, understood the importance of addressing the needs of the marginalized and vulnerable members of society.

Reflecting on this Hadith, we are reminded of the countless examples from the life of Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) where he demonstrated his commitment to social justice and equality. He would often distribute his wealth among the poor, ensuring that no one went hungry or lacked basic necessities. His actions were guided by the teachings of the Quran, which emphasize the importance of charity and caring for those in need.

In conclusion, the Hadith of Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) serves as a powerful reminder of the challenges faced by the poor and the need for compassion and support from the wider Muslim community. It calls upon us to emulate the example of Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) and strive for a society where no one is marginalized or scorned based on their economic status. May Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) guide us to be more empathetic and proactive in helping those in need, and may He grant us the ability to create a just and inclusive society.