Hadith #7854

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 Arabic Hadith of Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) states,

Mani ista'ana bi ghayri mustaqill, dayya'a amrahu.

This Hadith emphasizes the importance of seeking assistance from those who are independent and self-reliant. It warns against relying on individuals who are not capable of providing the necessary support, as it will lead to the wastage of one's affairs.

To understand the deeper meaning of this Hadith, let us analyze the key words and their implications. The word "ista'ana" means seeking assistance or help, while "ghayri mustaqill" refers to someone who is not independent or self-reliant. "Dayya'a" means to waste or ruin, and "amrahu" refers to one's affairs or matters.

This Hadith can be understood in the light of several Quranic verses. Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) repeatedly emphasizes the importance of seeking guidance and assistance from those who possess knowledge and wisdom. In Surah Al-Anbiya, verse 7, Allah says,

And We sent not before you, [O Muhammad], except men to whom We revealed [the message], so ask the people of the message if you do not know.

This verse highlights the significance of seeking guidance from those who have been divinely chosen and bestowed with knowledge. Just as Prophet Muhammad (ﷺ) was the final and most perfect messenger of Allah, Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) was the chosen successor and the gate to the knowledge of the Prophet. Therefore, seeking assistance from him and his progeny is essential for Muslims.

Another verse that supports the exegesis of this Hadith is found in Surah Al-Furqan, verse 44, where Allah says,

Or do you think that most of them hear or reason? They are not except like livestock. Rather, they are [even] more astray in [their] way.

This verse highlights the danger of seeking assistance from those who lack knowledge and understanding. Just as livestock blindly follows its shepherd without questioning, those who are not independent in knowledge and wisdom can lead others astray. Hence, it is crucial to seek guidance from those who possess deep understanding and insight.

Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) was known for his immense knowledge and wisdom. He was the gate to the city of knowledge, as Prophet Muhammad (ﷺ) famously said. Therefore, seeking assistance from him and his progeny ensures that one's affairs are guided by the light of divine knowledge.

By adhering to the teachings of Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) and seeking assistance from those who possess true knowledge, Muslims can avoid the wastage and ruin of their affairs. This Hadith serves as a reminder for us to be cautious in choosing our sources of guidance and to seek assistance from those who are truly independent and knowledgeable.

In conclusion, the Hadith of Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) warns against seeking assistance from those who are not independent and self-reliant in matters of knowledge and wisdom. It urges Muslims to seek guidance from individuals who possess deep understanding and insight, such as Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) and his progeny. By doing so, we can ensure that our affairs are guided by the light of divine knowledge and avoid the wastage and ruin of our affairs. May Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) grant us the wisdom to seek guidance from the right sources and protect us from the misguidance of those who lack knowledge.