Hadith #4638

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,

Whoever asks [from] other than Allah deserves to be deprived.

This enlightening saying emphasizes the importance of turning to Allah alone in our supplications and seeking His help and guidance. Let us delve deeper into the meaning of this Hadith and explore its implications in light of the Quran.

The word (sa'ala) "سَألَ" in Arabic refers to seeking, asking, or requesting. It implies a sense of dependence and reliance on someone for assistance or fulfillment of needs. In this Hadith, Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) is highlighting the significance of directing our requests solely towards Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ).

This Hadith aligns with the teachings of the Quran, where Allah repeatedly emphasizes the importance of seeking His help and guidance. In Surah Al-Fatiha, we recite, (Quran 1:5)

You alone we worship, and You alone we ask for help

This verse clearly establishes the principle of turning to Allah alone for our needs and supplications.

Moreover, in Surah Ghafir, Allah states, (Quran 40:60)

And your Lord says, 'Call upon Me; I will respond to you'

This verse not only encourages us to call upon Allah but also assures us that He will respond to our prayers. It reaffirms the concept of seeking Allah's assistance directly and not relying on anyone else.

The consequences of seeking help from other than Allah are highlighted in the Hadith by Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) when he mentions that such individuals

deserve to be deprived.

This deprivation can manifest in various ways. Firstly, it can lead to a spiritual deprivation, as it distances us from the true source of guidance and blessings. By seeking help from others, we may inadvertently associate partners with Allah, which is a grave sin.

Furthermore, seeking assistance from others can also result in disappointment and unfulfilled expectations. Human beings are fallible, and their abilities are limited. They may not always be able to fulfill our needs or provide the desired outcome. On the other hand, Allah is the All-Powerful and All-Knowing, capable of fulfilling all our needs and granting us what is best for us.

Reflecting on this Hadith, we realize that it is not merely a prohibition against seeking help from others, but rather a reminder of the importance of recognizing Allah as the ultimate source of all assistance. It encourages us to strengthen our relationship with Allah, to have complete trust in His abilities, and to turn to Him in times of need.

Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) was known for his profound knowledge and understanding of Islam. His words carry immense wisdom and guidance for Muslims of all generations. By adhering to his teachings and the teachings of the Quran, we can ensure that our supplications are directed towards the One who has the power to fulfill them.

In conclusion, the Hadith of Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) serves as a reminder for Muslims to seek help and assistance solely from Allah. It emphasizes the importance of turning to Him in all matters and recognizing His infinite power and mercy. May we always remember this teaching and strive to strengthen our relationship with Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ), seeking His guidance and blessings in all aspects of our lives.