Hadith #10714

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

The Arabic Hadith of Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) states,

خَيْرُ النّاسِ مَن ْتَحَمَّلَ مَؤُنَةَ النّاسِ۔

This Hadith can be translated as,

The best person is he who bears the responsibility of providing for the people.

Let us delve into the deeper meaning of this Hadith in light of the Quran. The word (khayr) "خَيْرُ" means "the best" or "excellent." It signifies a person who possesses outstanding qualities and is highly regarded. (man) "مَن" means "who" or "whosoever," indicating that this characteristic is not limited to a specific group or individual. (tahammala) "تَحَمَّلَ" means "to bear" or "to take on." It implies assuming the burden or responsibility of something. Finally, (ma'unat al-nas) "مَؤُنَةَ النّاسِ" refers to

providing for the people

or

meeting the needs of others.

The Quran provides us with numerous verses that emphasize the importance of caring for and providing for others. Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) says in Surah Al-Hashr (59:9):

And [also for] those who were settled in the Home [i.e., the Ansar] and [adopted] faith before them. They love those who emigrated to them and find not any want in their breasts of what the emigrants were given but give [them] preference over themselves, even though they are in privation. And whoever is protected from the stinginess of his soul - it is those who will be the successful.

This verse highlights the selflessness and generosity of the Ansar, the companions of the Prophet (ﷺ) in Medina. They welcomed and supported the Muhajireen, the immigrants from Mecca, despite their own limited resources. They put the needs of others before their own, exemplifying the essence of the Hadith of Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ).

Furthermore, in Surah Al-Balad (90:12-16), Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) describes the characteristics of the righteous:

And what can make you know what is [breaking through] the difficult pass? It is the freeing of a slave or feeding on a day of severe hunger, an orphan of near relationship or a needy person in misery.

These verses emphasize the importance of providing for those in need, whether it be through freeing slaves, feeding the hungry, supporting orphans, or assisting the needy. The righteous are those who actively engage in acts of charity and selflessness, fulfilling the responsibility mentioned in the Hadith of Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ).

Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ), known for his immense knowledge and wisdom, understood the significance of bearing the responsibility of providing for others. He exemplified this in his own life, as he would often distribute his wealth and possessions to those in need, even during times of personal hardship. His actions were in line with the teachings of the Quran, which emphasize the importance of selflessness and caring for others.

The consequences of embodying the teachings of this Hadith are profound. When individuals take on the responsibility of providing for others, they contribute to the well-being and harmony of society. They create an environment where everyone's needs are met, fostering a sense of unity and compassion. Moreover, by prioritizing the needs of others, individuals develop humility, gratitude, and a deep sense of fulfillment.

Reflecting on the Hadith of Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ), we are reminded of the importance of selflessness and caring for others. As Muslims, we should strive to be among the best of people by taking on the responsibility of providing for those in need. By doing so, we not only follow the example of our beloved Prophet Muhammad (ﷺ) and his noble companions but also fulfill the teachings of the Quran. May Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) grant us the ability to embody this noble characteristic and be a source of support and compassion for our fellow human beings.