Hadith #7848

In the name of Allah, the Most Gracious, the Most Merciful. Praise be to Allah, the Lord of all worlds, and blessings be upon Muhammad (peace be upon him) and his pure progeny, the Ahl al-Bayt, as well as his noble companions.

The Arabic Hadith of Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) states, "أعِنْ تُعَنْ۔" which translates to

Assist and you will be assisted.

This short yet impactful Hadith holds deep wisdom and guidance for all Muslims, regardless of their sect.

The word (a'in) "أعِنْ" in the Hadith means to assist, help, or support someone in their time of need. It signifies the act of extending a helping hand to others, whether it be through physical, emotional, or financial means. This word emphasizes the importance of being there for one another and fulfilling our duty as Muslims to support our fellow brothers and sisters.

To understand the significance of this Hadith, we can turn to the Quran for guidance. Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) repeatedly emphasizes the importance of helping others and the rewards that come with it. In Surah Al-Baqarah, verse 195, Allah says,

And spend in the way of Allah and do not throw [yourselves] with your [own] hands into destruction [by refraining]. And do good; indeed, Allah loves the doers of good.

This verse encourages Muslims to spend in the way of Allah, which includes assisting others in need. By doing so, we not only fulfill our duty as believers but also earn the love and pleasure of Allah. This love and pleasure of Allah is a reward in itself, as it brings us closer to Him and strengthens our faith.

Another verse that supports the exegesis of this Hadith is found in Surah Al-Hadid, verse 11:

Who is it that would loan Allah a goodly loan so He may multiply it for him many times over? And it is Allah who withholds and grants abundance, and to Him you will be returned.

This verse highlights the concept of lending to Allah, which can be understood as assisting others in need. When we help someone, we are essentially lending to Allah, as He is the ultimate provider and sustainer. Allah promises to multiply our good deeds and rewards when we assist others, showing His generosity and mercy.

Imam Ali's (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) Hadith reminds us of the interconnectedness of our actions and the consequences they have in this world and the hereafter. When we assist others, we create a ripple effect of goodness that not only benefits the person we help but also ourselves and society as a whole.

By assisting others, we inspire a culture of compassion, empathy, and unity among Muslims. We strengthen the bonds of brotherhood and sisterhood, fostering a sense of belonging and support within our community. This, in turn, leads to a more harmonious and prosperous society.

Furthermore, the act of assisting others has a profound impact on our own spiritual growth. When we extend a helping hand, we develop qualities such as selflessness, humility, and gratitude. We learn to appreciate the blessings bestowed upon us by Allah and become more aware of the struggles faced by others. This awareness cultivates empathy and a sense of responsibility towards our fellow Muslims.

In conclusion, the Hadith of Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ),

Assist and you will be assisted,

serves as a powerful reminder for all Muslims to actively engage in acts of kindness and support towards others. By doing so, we not only fulfill our duty as believers but also reap the rewards in this life and the hereafter. Let us strive to be a source of assistance and support for one another, embodying the teachings of Islam and following in the footsteps of our beloved Prophet Muhammad (ﷺ) and his noble family. May Allah guide us all on the path of righteousness and enable us to be a means of assistance for those in need.