Hadith #8214

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, and his noble companions.

The provided Hadith of Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) highlights the noble quality of supporting and assisting others, especially those in need, among the wealthy individuals. Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) emphasizes that only a few of the rich truly fulfill their responsibility of providing financial support and assistance to others.

To delve deeper into the meaning of this Hadith, let us examine the key words and their implications. The word (few) "قَليلٌ" signifies that the number of wealthy individuals who genuinely support and assist others is limited. It implies that the majority of the rich do not fulfill this duty, either due to their lack of awareness or their attachment to their wealth.

The word (rich) "أغْنِياءِ" refers to those who possess abundant material wealth. However, Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) reminds us that true richness is not solely measured by the accumulation of wealth, but rather by the willingness to share it with others and alleviate their hardships.

The phrase (support and assist) "يُواسي ويُسْعِفُ" encompasses two important aspects of helping others. (support) "يُواسي" implies providing emotional and moral support to those in need, offering comfort and solace in times of distress. (assist) "يُسْعِفُ" refers to providing financial aid and assistance to alleviate the financial burdens of others.

To understand the significance of this Hadith, let us turn to the Quran for guidance. Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) repeatedly emphasizes the importance of helping those in need and the virtues of generosity. In Surah Al-Baqarah, Allah says, (Quran 2:195)

And spend of your substance in the cause of Allah, and make not your own hands contribute to your destruction; but do good; for Allah loveth those who do good

Furthermore, in Surah Al-Isra, Allah states, (Quran 17:26)

And give to the near of kin his due and (to) the needy and the wayfarer, and do not squander wastefully

These verses highlight the obligation to support not only the needy but also one's relatives and those who are traveling and in need of assistance.

Imam Ali's (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) Hadith serves as a reminder to Muslims of their duty to help and support others, especially those who are less fortunate. It encourages the wealthy to be mindful of their responsibility to share their wealth and resources with those in need. By doing so, they fulfill their obligation as believers and contribute to the betterment of society.

This Hadith also serves as a motivation for individuals to reflect upon their own actions and consider whether they are fulfilling their duty of supporting and assisting others. It prompts us to examine our own attitudes towards wealth and to question whether we are using our resources in a manner that benefits others or solely for our own personal gain.

Moreover, this Hadith highlights the consequences of neglecting the duty of supporting and assisting others. When the wealthy fail to fulfill their responsibility, it can lead to increased inequality and suffering within society. Conversely, when the wealthy actively engage in supporting and assisting others, it fosters a sense of unity, compassion, and social cohesion.

In conclusion, the Hadith of Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) reminds Muslims of the importance of supporting and assisting others, especially those in need. It serves as a call to action for the wealthy to fulfill their duty of sharing their wealth and resources with those less fortunate. By doing so, we not only fulfill our obligations as believers but also contribute to the betterment of society and the establishment of a more just and compassionate world. May Allah guide us all to be among those who support and assist others, and may He bless us with the means to do so.