Hadith #10498

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,

مَنْ صانَ نَفْسَهُ عَنِ المَسائِلِ جَلَّ۔

This Hadith can be translated as,

Whoever protects himself from asking others becomes exalted.

Let us delve into the meaning of some key words in this Hadith. The word (sana) "صانَ" means to protect or safeguard. It implies taking measures to preserve something valuable. The word (nafsahu) "نَفْسَهُ" refers to oneself or one's own self. And the word (masa'il) "مَسائِلِ" means questions or requests.

Now, let us turn to the Quran to find support for the exegesis of this Hadith. 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 highlights the importance of self-reliance and seeking strength from Allah. By protecting ourselves from constantly relying on others for our needs and questions, we develop a sense of independence and reliance on Allah alone. This self-restraint and self-reliance lead to a higher spiritual status.

Another verse that supports the exegesis of this Hadith is found in Surah Al-Ma'idah (5:105), where Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) says,

O you who have believed, upon you is [responsibility for] yourselves. Those who have gone astray will not harm you when you have been guided. To Allah is your return all together; then He will inform you of what you used to do.

This verse emphasizes the individual responsibility that each Muslim has towards themselves. It encourages believers to take charge of their own affairs and not rely excessively on others. By doing so, one can attain a higher spiritual status and protect themselves from the negative influences of those who have gone astray.

Now, let us reflect on the connotation of this Hadith. Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ), known for his deep knowledge and wisdom, teaches us the importance of self-restraint and self-sufficiency. By refraining from constantly seeking answers and assistance from others, we develop a sense of independence and reliance on Allah.

When we protect ourselves from constantly asking others for help, we become exalted in the eyes of Allah. This is because we are demonstrating trust in His wisdom and relying on His guidance. We are acknowledging that Allah is the ultimate source of knowledge and assistance.

Furthermore, by safeguarding ourselves from constantly seeking answers from others, we develop a stronger connection with Allah. We become more self-aware and introspective, seeking guidance directly from the Quran and the teachings of the Prophet Muhammad (ﷺ). This leads to a deeper understanding of Islam and a stronger bond with our Creator.

The consequences of following this Hadith are profound. By protecting ourselves from constantly asking others, we become more self-reliant and confident in our own abilities. We develop a sense of empowerment and become better equipped to face the challenges of life. Additionally, by relying on Allah and seeking guidance directly from Him, we are more likely to make sound decisions and avoid being led astray by misguided opinions.

In conclusion, the Hadith of Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) teaches us the importance of protecting ourselves from constantly asking others for answers and assistance. By doing so, we become exalted in the eyes of Allah and develop a stronger connection with Him. This Hadith encourages us to be self-reliant, seek guidance from the Quran, and trust in Allah's wisdom. May Allah grant us the strength and wisdom to implement this teaching in our lives.