Hadith #4639

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 righteous companions.

The Arabic Hadith of Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) states,

مَنْ أكْثَرَ مَسْئَلَةَ النَّاسِ ذَلَّ۔

This can be translated as,

One who increases his requests from people is humiliated.

This enlightening Hadith of Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) highlights the negative consequences of constantly seeking favors and assistance from others.

To understand the deeper meaning of this Hadith, let us analyze the key words used. The word (mas'alah) "مَسْئَلَةَ" refers to asking or requesting something from someone. It implies seeking help, favors, or material benefits from others. The word (annas) "النَّاسِ" means people in general, encompassing all individuals.

This Hadith aligns with the teachings of the Quran, which emphasizes self-reliance, contentment, and the avoidance of excessive dependency on others. Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) encourages Muslims to strive for self-sufficiency and to rely primarily on Him for their needs. In Surah Al-Baqarah, Allah says, (Quran 2:186)

And when My servants ask you concerning Me, indeed I am near. I respond to the invocation of the supplicant when he calls upon Me

This verse reminds us that Allah is always ready to answer our prayers and fulfill our needs directly.

Moreover, the Quran emphasizes the importance of gratitude and contentment. In Surah An-Nahl, Allah says, (Quran 16:18)

And if you should count the favors of Allah, you could not enumerate them. Indeed, Allah is Forgiving and Merciful

This verse reminds us to acknowledge and appreciate the countless blessings bestowed upon us by Allah, rather than constantly seeking more from people.

Imam Ali's (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) Hadith warns against excessive reliance on others and the negative consequences it brings. When one constantly seeks favors from people, it can lead to humiliation and a loss of dignity. This is because constantly relying on others diminishes one's self-esteem and independence. It also puts one in a vulnerable position, as people may take advantage of their neediness or refuse to fulfill their requests.

Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) possessed immense knowledge and wisdom, and his statement reflects his understanding of human nature and the importance of self-reliance. By discouraging excessive dependency on others, he encourages Muslims to cultivate self-sufficiency, dignity, and a sense of responsibility.

Reflecting on this Hadith, we should strive to strike a balance between seeking help when necessary and maintaining our independence. It is important to remember that while seeking assistance from others is not inherently wrong, constantly relying on them and burdening them with our requests can lead to humiliation and a loss of self-respect.

As Muslims, we should turn to Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) in times of need and rely on His infinite mercy and blessings. We should strive to be self-sufficient, grateful for the blessings we have, and content with what Allah has provided us. By doing so, we can maintain our dignity and avoid the pitfalls of excessive dependency on others.

May Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) grant us the wisdom to understand the teachings of Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) and the strength to implement them in our lives. May He bless us with self-reliance, contentment, and a sense of gratitude for His abundant blessings.