Hadith #8447

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, "Al-faqr yunsi." This simple yet wise utterance translates to "Poverty causes forgetfulness." To understand the deeper meaning of this Hadith, let us delve into the significance of the words used.

The word "faqr" refers to poverty or neediness. It signifies a state of lacking material wealth or resources. In this context, it represents a condition of deprivation or scarcity. The word "yunsi" means forgetfulness or being oblivious to something. It implies a state of being unaware or neglectful.

To shed light on the wisdom behind this Hadith, we can turn to the Quran, where Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) often emphasizes the importance of remembrance and mindfulness. In Surah Al-Baqarah, verse 152, Allah says,

So remember Me; I will remember you.

This verse highlights the reciprocal nature of remembrance, where Allah promises to remember those who remember Him.

Furthermore, in Surah Al-A'raf, verse 205, Allah warns against forgetting Him, saying,

And remember your Lord within yourself in humility and in fear without being apparent in speech, in the mornings and the evenings, and do not be among the heedless.

This verse emphasizes the need for constant remembrance of Allah, as it safeguards us from becoming heedless and neglectful.

Now, let us reflect on the significance of Imam Ali's statement. Poverty, in its various forms, can consume an individual's thoughts and preoccupy their mind. When one is burdened by the constant struggle for survival, their focus often shifts towards meeting their basic needs. Consequently, they may become forgetful of their spiritual obligations and the remembrance of Allah.

Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ), known for his profound knowledge and wisdom, highlights the impact of poverty on one's ability to remember Allah. He reminds us that when we are engulfed in the hardships of poverty, our attention is diverted from the remembrance of Allah, leading to forgetfulness and neglect of our spiritual duties.

This Hadith serves as a reminder for Muslims, both Shia and Sunni, to be mindful of the challenges faced by those in poverty. It urges us to extend our support and assistance to those in need, not only to alleviate their material deprivation but also to help them maintain their spiritual connection with Allah.

Moreover, this Hadith teaches us the importance of gratitude and contentment in all circumstances. It reminds us that even in times of hardship and scarcity, we should strive to remain grateful for the blessings we do have and maintain our remembrance of Allah. By doing so, we can overcome the forgetfulness that poverty may bring and strengthen our relationship with our Creator.

In conclusion, the Hadith of Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ), "Al-faqr yunsi" or "Poverty causes forgetfulness," highlights the impact of poverty on one's ability to remember Allah. It serves as a reminder for Muslims to be mindful of the challenges faced by those in need and to extend support and assistance. Furthermore, it emphasizes the importance of gratitude and contentment, even in times of hardship, as a means to overcome forgetfulness and strengthen our connection with Allah. May Allah guide us to always remember Him and help those in need.