Hadith #8451

In the name of Allah, the Most Gracious, the Most Merciful. Praise be to Allah, the Lord of all the worlds. Peace and blessings be upon Muhammad, his family, his companions, and the righteous successors.

The Hadith of Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) states,

Poverty disables the astute one from [presenting] his argument.

This profound statement highlights the impact of poverty on one's ability to effectively express their thoughts and present their arguments. Let us delve deeper into the meanings of the key words in this Hadith and explore its implications in light of the Quran.

The word (poverty) "فَقْرُ" refers to a state of extreme deprivation, where an individual lacks the necessary resources to fulfill their basic needs. Poverty can manifest in various forms, including financial, emotional, and intellectual poverty. It is important to note that poverty in this context is not limited to material wealth, but also encompasses a lack of knowledge, wisdom, and understanding.

The term (disables) "يُخْرِسُ" signifies the silencing or incapacitating effect that poverty has on an individual's ability to express themselves. It implies a restriction or hindrance that prevents the astute person from effectively presenting their arguments or making their voice heard.

To understand the deeper implications of this Hadith, let us turn to the Quran for guidance. In Surah Al-Hajj, Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) says, (Quran 22:46)

Have they not traveled through the land, and have they hearts wherewith to understand and ears wherewith to hear? Verily, it is not the eyes that grow blind, but it is the hearts which are in the breasts that grow blind.

This verse highlights the importance of understanding and perception. It emphasizes that true blindness is not a physical ailment, but rather a spiritual and intellectual deficiency. Similarly, poverty, whether material or intellectual, can blind an individual from recognizing and articulating their arguments effectively.

Furthermore, in Surah Al-Baqarah, Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) states, (Quran 3:188)

And never think that those who rejoice in what they have perpetrated and like to be praised for what they did not do - never think them [to be] in safety from the punishment, and for them is a painful punishment.

This verse warns against the arrogance and false pride of those who take credit for actions they did not perform. Poverty, in its various forms, can lead to a sense of helplessness and frustration, which may cause individuals to remain silent or refrain from expressing their arguments due to a fear of being ridiculed or dismissed.

The Hadith of Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) sheds light on the consequences of poverty on the astute individual. When one is burdened by the weight of poverty, whether it be financial or intellectual, their ability to present their arguments and make their voice heard becomes impaired. This impairment can have far-reaching consequences, as it hinders the progress and development of individuals and societies.

For instance, poverty can prevent individuals from accessing quality education, limiting their intellectual growth and hindering their ability to engage in meaningful discourse. It can also lead to a lack of confidence and self-esteem, making individuals hesitant to express their thoughts and opinions.

Moreover, poverty can perpetuate a cycle of inequality and injustice, as those who are impoverished may not have the means or resources to challenge oppressive systems or advocate for their rights. This can result in the marginalization and silencing of the most vulnerable members of society.

In conclusion, the Hadith of Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) serves as a reminder of the profound impact that poverty can have on an individual's ability to present their arguments and make their voice heard. It highlights the importance of addressing poverty in all its forms, whether material or intellectual, in order to create an environment where everyone has equal opportunities to express themselves and contribute to the betterment of society. May Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) guide us to alleviate poverty and empower the astute among us to present their arguments with clarity and confidence.