Hadith #4645

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, the Ahl al-Bayt, and his noble companions.

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

لا تَسْألْ مَنْ تَخافُ مَنْعَهُ۔

This can be translated as,

Do not ask the one from whom you fear deprival.

In this profound statement, Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) advises us to refrain from seeking favors or assistance from those who have the power to withhold or deprive us.

To understand the depth and wisdom of this statement, let us delve into the meanings of the key words. The word (tas'al) "تَسْأَلْ" means to ask or request. It implies seeking help, favors, or assistance from someone. The word (takhafu) "تَخَافُ" means to fear or be afraid. It refers to the feeling of apprehension or worry that arises when we anticipate being deprived or denied something. Lastly, the word (man'ahu) "مَنْعَهُ" means deprivation or denial. It signifies the act of withholding or refusing to grant what is being asked for.

In order to comprehend the significance of this advice, we can turn to the Quran for guidance. Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) says in Surah Al-Isra (17:80),

And say: My Lord! Cause me to come in with a firm incoming and to go out with a firm outgoing. And give me from Thy presence a sustaining Power.

This verse highlights the importance of seeking assistance and sustenance directly from Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ), the ultimate source of all blessings and provisions. It teaches us to rely on Him alone and not to depend on others who may have the ability to deprive us.

Furthermore, in Surah Al-Furqan (25:58), Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) states,

And put thy trust in Him Who lives and dies not; and celebrate His praise; and enough is He to be acquainted with the faults of His servants.

This verse emphasizes the importance of placing our trust in Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) alone, as He is the Ever-Living and All-Knowing. He is aware of our needs and shortcomings, and He is the one who can provide for us without any fear of deprivation.

Imam Ali's (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) advice is a reminder for us to seek our needs and desires from Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) directly, rather than relying on fallible human beings who may withhold or deny us. By doing so, we protect ourselves from disappointment, manipulation, and the potential harm that may arise from seeking favors from those who have power over us.

This guidance from Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) is rooted in his profound knowledge and understanding of the Quran. He recognized the importance of seeking Allah's (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) help and provisions directly, without involving intermediaries who may have their own agendas or limitations.

In practical terms, this advice encourages us to rely on our own efforts and abilities, while seeking Allah's (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) guidance and blessings. It teaches us to be self-sufficient and not to become overly dependent on others, especially when there is a risk of being deprived or denied. By aligning our actions and intentions with the teachings of the Quran, we can navigate through life with wisdom and resilience, knowing that our ultimate provider is Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ).

In conclusion, the Hadith of Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) reminds us of the importance of seeking our needs and desires directly from Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ), rather than relying on others who have the power to deprive us. It encourages us to place our trust in Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) alone, recognizing His infinite knowledge and ability to provide for us. By following this advice, we can safeguard ourselves from disappointment and harm, and lead a life of reliance on the One who is the ultimate source of all blessings and provisions. May Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) grant us the wisdom to understand and implement this guidance in our lives.