Hadith #6948

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

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

أوْلَى النّاسِ بِالرَّحْمَةِ المُحْتاجُ إلَيْها۔

This Hadith emphasizes the importance of showing mercy and compassion to those who are in need of it. Let us delve into the deeper meaning of this impactful Hadith in light of the Quran.

The word (awla) "أوْلَى" in this Hadith means "the most deserving" or "the closest." It implies that among all people, those who are in need of mercy are the ones who deserve it the most. This highlights the significance of extending compassion and kindness towards those who are going through difficult circumstances or facing hardships in their lives.

The term (ar-rahmah) "الرَّحْمَةِ" refers to mercy, compassion, and kindness. It encompasses various aspects of benevolence, including forgiveness, empathy, and support. Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) is described as the Most Merciful (الرَّحْمَٰنُ الرَّحِيمُ) in the Quran, and His mercy is infinite and all-encompassing. As Muslims, we are encouraged to emulate this divine attribute and show mercy to others.

The phrase (al-muhtaj ilayha) "المُحْتاجُ إلَيْها" means

the one who is in need of it.

It refers to individuals who are themselves experiencing difficulties, hardships, or are in a state of vulnerability. This could include the poor, the oppressed, the sick, or those facing any form of adversity. The Hadith teaches us that these individuals are the ones who deserve our utmost compassion and mercy.

The Quran provides numerous verses that emphasize the importance of showing mercy and compassion to those in need. For example, in Surah Al-Anfal (8:46), Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) says,

And obey Allah and His Messenger, and do not dispute and [thus] lose courage and [then] your strength would depart; and be patient. Indeed, Allah is with the patient.

This verse encourages us to be patient and compassionate towards others, especially during times of difficulty and hardship.

Furthermore, in Surah Al-Hujurat (49:10), Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) states,

The believers are but brothers, so make settlement between your brothers. And fear Allah that you may receive mercy.

This verse highlights the importance of fostering brotherhood and unity among believers, and it reminds us that by showing mercy to others, we ourselves will receive Allah's mercy.

The Hadith of Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) urges us to reflect on the significance of showing mercy to those who are in need of it. By extending our compassion and support to those who are facing difficulties, we not only fulfill our duty as Muslims but also embody the teachings of the Quran. Our actions have the power to alleviate the suffering of others, bring comfort to their hearts, and strengthen the bonds of brotherhood within the Muslim community.

Moreover, this Hadith serves as a reminder that none of us are exempt from needing mercy at some point in our lives. We all experience moments of vulnerability, weakness, and hardship. Therefore, by showing mercy to others, we create an environment of empathy and support that can uplift and inspire us during our own times of need.

In conclusion, the Hadith of Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) teaches us that the most deserving of mercy are those who are in need of it. It calls upon us to show compassion and kindness to those who are facing difficulties and hardships. By doing so, we not only fulfill our duty as Muslims but also embody the teachings of the Quran, which emphasize the importance of mercy and empathy. May Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) grant us the ability to be merciful towards others and may He shower His mercy upon us all.