Hadith #4630

In the name of Allah, the Most Gracious, the Most Merciful. Praise be to Allah, the Lord of all worlds. May peace and blessings be upon our beloved Prophet Muhammad (ﷺ), his pure progeny, and his righteous companions.

The provided Hadith of Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) highlights the negative consequences of begging. Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ), known for his wisdom and deep understanding of Islam, eloquently describes the detrimental effects of begging on various aspects of an individual's life.

Let us delve into the important words used in this Hadith. The word (su'al) "سُؤال" refers to begging or asking for something. It is derived from the root word (sa'ala) "سَأَلَ", which means to ask or request. The word (yud'ifu) "يُضْعِفُ" means to weaken or diminish, while (yaksiru) "يَكْسِرُ" means to break or shatter. (qalb) "قَلْبَ" refers to the heart, and (shuja'i) "شُّجَاعِ" means courageous or brave. (hurr) "حُرَّ" signifies someone who is free or independent, and (aziz) "عَزِيزِ" means honorable or esteemed. (mauqif) "مَوْقِفَ" refers to the position or status, while (abd) "عَبْدِ" means a slave or servant. (dhalil) "ذَّلِيلِ" denotes someone who is humbled or submissive. (bahaa) "بَهَاءَ" signifies radiance or beauty, and (wajh) "وَجْهِ" refers to the face. Finally, (rizq) "رِّزْقَ" means sustenance or provision.

To understand the essence of this Hadith, let us 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 emphasizes the importance of relying on Allah for sustenance and seeking His assistance in all matters. Begging, on the other hand, weakens the individual's self-reliance and diminishes their ability to face challenges with strength and determination. It breaks the heart of the courageous hero, as mentioned by Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ), because it undermines their sense of dignity and self-worth.

Furthermore, Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) states in Surah Al-Qasas (28:77):

But seek, through that which Allah has given you, the home of the Hereafter; and [yet], do not forget your share of the world. And do good as Allah has done good to you. And desire not corruption in the land. Indeed, Allah does not like corrupters.

This verse reminds us to seek the rewards of the Hereafter while also fulfilling our responsibilities in this world. Begging puts the free and honorable individual in the position of a humbled slave, as Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) eloquently describes. It diminishes one's sense of independence and self-respect, reducing them to a state of dependency and subservience.

Moreover, Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) states 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 relying on Allah for sustenance and seeking His assistance in all matters. Begging, as mentioned by Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ), not only takes away the radiance from one's face but also wipes out their sustenance. When an individual resorts to begging, they lose their self-respect and the glow of contentment that comes from relying on Allah's provisions.

In conclusion, the Hadith of Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) serves as a powerful reminder for Muslims to avoid begging and instead place their trust in Allah. Begging weakens the individual's tongue, breaks the heart of the courageous, diminishes the honor of the free, and wipes out one's sustenance. By relying on Allah and seeking His assistance, Muslims can maintain their dignity, self-worth, and the radiance of their faces. May Allah guide us all to the path of self-reliance and contentment.