Hadith #8249

In the name of Allah, the Most Gracious, the Most Merciful. Praise be to Allah, the Lord of all worlds, and blessings be upon Muhammad (ﷺ) and his pure progeny, the Ahl al-Bayt, and upon his noble companions.

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

مِنْ كَفّاراتِ الذُّنُوبِ العِظامِ إغاثَةُ المَلْهُوفِ۔

This Hadith can be translated as,

From the expiations of great sins is aiding the aggrieved.

Let us delve into the meaning of the important words in this Hadith. The word (kaffarat) "كَفّاراتِ" refers to expiations or atonements, which are acts that help cleanse one's soul from the burden of sins. (thunub al-'itham) "الذُّنُوبِ العِظامِ" refers to great sins, sins that are severe and weighty in nature. And finally, (ighathatul malhoof) "إغاثَةُ المَلْهُوفِ" means aiding the aggrieved or helping those who are in distress and need assistance.

To understand the connotation of this Hadith, we can turn to the Quran for guidance. In Surah Al-Baqarah, Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) says, (Quran 2:43)

And establish prayer and give zakah and bow with those who bow [in worship and obedience].

Here, Allah emphasizes the importance of establishing prayer and giving zakah, which includes helping those in need. This verse highlights the significance of aiding the aggrieved as a means of expiating great sins.

Furthermore, in Surah Al-Ma'un, Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) says, (Quran 107:1-4)

Have you seen the one who denies the Recompense? For that is the one who drives away the orphan and does not encourage the feeding of the poor. So woe to those who pray but are heedless of their prayer.

This verse condemns those who neglect their duty towards the needy, emphasizing the importance of aiding the aggrieved as a fundamental aspect of faith.

The Hadith of Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) teaches us that helping those who are suffering and in need is not just a virtuous act, but also a means of expiating great sins. By aiding the aggrieved, we demonstrate compassion, empathy, and selflessness, qualities that are highly valued in Islam.

When we extend our support to those who are oppressed, marginalized, or facing hardship, we are following in the footsteps of Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ), who was known for his deep knowledge and understanding of Islam. His actions and teachings exemplified the importance of social justice and standing up for the rights of the vulnerable.

By aiding the aggrieved, we not only alleviate their suffering but also contribute to the betterment of society as a whole. Our actions have a ripple effect, inspiring others to follow suit and creating a culture of compassion and solidarity. Moreover, when we engage in acts of kindness and support, we purify our own souls and seek forgiveness for our own sins.

In conclusion, the Hadith of Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) reminds us of the importance of aiding the aggrieved as a means of expiating great sins. By helping those who are suffering and in need, we embody the teachings of Islam and contribute to the establishment of a just and compassionate society. Let us strive to be individuals who actively seek opportunities to alleviate the pain of others and fulfill our duty towards our fellow human beings. May Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) guide us in our efforts and grant us the ability to be a source of comfort and support for those who are aggrieved.