Hadith #8474

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 noble companions.

The Hadith of Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) states,

The needy person is a stranger in his own homeland.

This enlightening Hadith highlights the plight of those who are in need and emphasizes the feeling of alienation they experience even within their own communities.

Let us delve into the meanings of some key words in this Hadith. The word (muqill) "مُقِلُّ" refers to someone who is in need or destitute. This person lacks the means to sustain themselves and is dependent on the assistance of others. The term (gharib) "غَريبٌ" translates to "stranger" or "foreigner," indicating a sense of isolation and unfamiliarity.

To understand the significance of this Hadith, we can turn to the Quran for guidance. In Surah Al-Hashr (59:9), Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) says,

And [also for] those who were settled in the Home (i.e., Madinah) and [adopted] faith before them. They love those who emigrated to them and find not any want in their breasts of what the emigrants were given but give [them] preference over themselves, even though they are in privation. And whoever is protected from the stinginess of his soul - it is those who will be the successful.

This ayah highlights the virtue of the Ansar, the residents of Madinah who welcomed and supported the Muhajirun, the emigrants from Makkah. Despite their own limited resources, the Ansar prioritized the needs of the Muhajirun over their own. This exemplifies the spirit of selflessness and compassion that should be present within a community.

Furthermore, in Surah Al-Isra (17:80), Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) says,

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 supplication of Prophet Ibrahim (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) as he sought Allah's assistance in both his entry and exit from a place. It signifies the importance of seeking Allah's support and sustenance in all aspects of our lives, especially during times of need.

Reflecting on the Hadith of Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ), we can understand that it serves as a reminder for Muslims to be compassionate and empathetic towards those who are less fortunate. It calls upon us to recognize the struggles faced by the needy and to extend our support and assistance to them. By doing so, we can create a sense of belonging and inclusion within our communities, ensuring that no one feels like a stranger in their own homeland.

Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) possessed immense knowledge and wisdom, and his teachings continue to guide and inspire Muslims to this day. His emphasis on the importance of caring for the needy aligns with the teachings of the Quran, which repeatedly stress the significance of charity, kindness, and social responsibility.

In conclusion, the Hadith of Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) reminds us of the duty we have as Muslims to support and uplift those who are in need. It encourages us to create an environment of compassion and inclusivity within our communities, ensuring that no one feels like a stranger in their own homeland. May Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) grant us the ability to fulfill this responsibility and may He bless us with the means to assist those who are less fortunate.