Hadith #10146

In the name of Allah, the Most Gracious, the Most Merciful. All praise is due to Allah, the Lord of all the worlds. 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,

مَنْ لَمْ يُنْجِدْ لَمْ يُنْجَدْ۔

This can be translated as,

One who does not help [others] is not helped.

This thought-provoking saying of Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) emphasizes the importance of assisting others and highlights the reciprocal nature of help.

To understand the depth of this Hadith, let us first examine the key words. The word (najid) "نُجِدْ" is derived from the root word (najada) "نَجَدَ", which means to help, aid, or assist. It signifies the act of providing support or assistance to someone in need. The word (lam) "لَمْ" is a negation particle, indicating the absence of an action. Therefore, (lam yunjid) "لَمْ يُنْجِدْ" means "did not help" or

did not provide assistance.

This Hadith aligns perfectly with the teachings of the Quran, which repeatedly emphasizes the importance of helping others. Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) says in Surah Al-Baqarah (2:195),

And spend in the way of Allah and do not throw [yourselves] with your [own] hands into destruction [by refraining]. And do good; indeed, Allah loves the doers of good.

This verse highlights the obligation to spend in the way of Allah and engage in acts of goodness, which includes helping others.

Furthermore, in Surah Al-Ma'idah (5:2), Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) states,

And cooperate in righteousness and piety, but do not cooperate in sin and aggression.

This verse encourages Muslims to cooperate and assist one another in acts of righteousness and piety. It emphasizes the importance of unity and support within the Muslim community.

Imam Ali's (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) Hadith serves as a reminder that our own assistance and support are contingent upon our willingness to help others. If we neglect to extend a helping hand to those in need, we cannot expect to receive help when we require it. This principle is not only applicable in material matters but also in spiritual and emotional aspects of life.

For instance, if we see a fellow Muslim struggling with their faith, it is our duty to provide guidance and support. By helping them navigate their doubts and strengthening their connection with Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ), we are fulfilling our obligation as believers. In return, when we face challenges in our own faith, we can hope for the assistance and guidance of others.

Similarly, in matters of social justice, it is imperative to stand up for the oppressed and marginalized. By advocating for their rights and working towards a more just society, we create an environment where everyone can thrive. In turn, when we find ourselves in a vulnerable position, we can rely on the support and solidarity of others.

Imam Ali's (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) wise utterance serves as a motivation for Muslims to actively engage in acts of kindness, compassion, and support. It reminds us that our actions have consequences and that our willingness to help others directly impacts the help we receive in return.

Reflecting on this Hadith, we should strive to be individuals who are always ready to lend a helping hand. Whether it is through financial assistance, emotional support, or spiritual guidance, we should actively seek opportunities to make a positive difference in the lives of others. By doing so, we not only fulfill our duty as Muslims but also create a society built on mutual aid and compassion.

May Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) grant us the ability to embody the teachings of Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) and be a source of help and support for those in need. May we always remember that our own assistance is intertwined with our willingness to assist others.