Hadith #3044

In the name of Allah, the Most Gracious, the Most Merciful. All praise is due 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 hadith of Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) emphasizes the importance of not delaying in helping those in need. The key words in this hadith are (do not delay) "لا تؤخر", (granting) "إنالة", (the needy) "المحتاج", and (tomorrow) "غد".

The word (do not delay) "لا تؤخر" carries a sense of urgency and emphasizes the need for immediate action. It serves as a reminder that we should not postpone helping those in need, as their situation may worsen or change unpredictably.

The term (granting) "إنالة" refers to providing assistance or fulfilling the needs of others. It encompasses various forms of support, such as financial aid, emotional support, or physical help. This word highlights the importance of fulfilling the needs of the needy promptly and without delay.

The word (the needy) "المحتاج" refers to those who are in a state of need or dependency. It includes individuals who lack basic necessities, such as food, shelter, clothing, or medical care. The term encompasses both material and spiritual needs, emphasizing the comprehensive nature of assistance required by the needy.

Lastly, the word (tomorrow) "غد" signifies the future and the uncertainty it holds. It serves as a reminder that we cannot predict what will happen in the future, both for ourselves and for those in need. Therefore, it is essential to act promptly and not postpone helping others, as circumstances may change unexpectedly.

This hadith aligns with the teachings of the Quran, which repeatedly emphasizes the importance of helping those in need. Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) says in Surah Al-Baqarah (2:177):

Righteousness is not that you turn your faces toward the east or the west, but [true] righteousness is [in] one who believes in Allah, the Last Day, the angels, the Book, and the prophets and gives wealth, in spite of love for it, to relatives, orphans, the needy, the traveler, those who ask [for help], and for freeing slaves.

This verse highlights the comprehensive nature of righteousness, which includes belief in Allah and His messengers, as well as the act of giving wealth to various categories of people in need. It emphasizes the importance of fulfilling the needs of the needy and the deserving, regardless of their relationship to us.

Furthermore, in Surah Al-Hadid (57:20), Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) says:

Know that the life of this world is but amusement and diversion and adornment and boasting to one another and competition in increase of wealth and children - like the example of a rain whose [resulting] plant growth pleases the tillers; then it dries and you see it turned yellow; then it becomes [scattered] debris. And in the Hereafter is severe punishment and forgiveness from Allah and approval. And what is the worldly life except the enjoyment of delusion.

This verse serves as a reminder that the material possessions and wealth of this world are temporary and fleeting. It encourages us to prioritize the needs of others over the accumulation of worldly possessions. By helping those in need, we are investing in the eternal rewards of the Hereafter, as opposed to the transient pleasures of this world.

The hadith of Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) reminds us of the consequences of delaying in helping the needy. By postponing our assistance, we risk missing the opportunity to alleviate someone's suffering or provide them with the support they urgently require. Moreover, it highlights the uncertainty of the future, emphasizing that we cannot guarantee our own well-being or the well-being of others.

Reflecting on this hadith, we are reminded of the importance of being proactive in our efforts to help those in need. It encourages us to develop a sense of empathy and compassion, urging us to act promptly and selflessly. By fulfilling the needs of the needy, we not only alleviate their suffering but also attain spiritual growth and closeness to Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ).

In conclusion, the hadith of Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) serves as a powerful reminder for Muslims to prioritize the needs of the needy and not delay in providing assistance. It aligns with the teachings of the Quran, which emphasize the importance of helping those in need and investing in the eternal rewards of the Hereafter. By acting promptly and selflessly, we fulfill our duty as Muslims and contribute to the betterment of society as a whole. May Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) guide us to be compassionate and proactive in helping those in need.