Hadith #10967

In the name of Allah, the Most Gracious, the Most Merciful. May peace and blessings be upon the Prophet Muhammad (ﷺ), his family (Ahl al-Bayt), and his companions.

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

وَصُولٌ مُعْدِمٌ خَيْرٌمِنْ جاف مُكْثِر۔

This can be translated as,

The ties established [with you] by a pauper is better than the shunning of the affluent.

To understand the profound wisdom in this statement, let us delve into the meanings of the key words. "وَصُولٌ" refers to the establishment of connections, bonds, or relationships. It signifies the act of reaching out and maintaining ties with others. "مُعْدِمٌ" refers to a person who is poor or needy, lacking material wealth. "جاف" refers to someone who is affluent, rich, or well-off. "مُكْثِر" refers to someone who abstains or refrains from establishing connections or maintaining relationships.

To shed light on the significance of this Hadith, we can turn to the Quran for guidance. Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) emphasizes the importance of maintaining ties of kinship and relationships in several verses. In Surah An-Nisa (4:1), Allah says,

And fear Allah through whom you ask one another, and the wombs. Indeed Allah is ever, over you, an Observer.

This verse highlights the importance of maintaining ties with relatives, as they are referred to as "wombs" or "kinship" in Arabic.

Additionally, in Surah Al-Isra (17:23-24), Allah says,

And your Lord has decreed that you not worship except Him, and to parents, good treatment. Whether one or both of them reach old age [while] with you, say not to them [so much as], 'uff,' and do not repel them but speak to them a noble word. And lower to them the wing of humility out of mercy and say, 'My Lord, have mercy upon them as they brought me up [when I was] small.'

These verses emphasize the importance of maintaining good relationships with parents and treating them with kindness and respect.

From these Quranic verses, we can understand that establishing and maintaining ties with others, especially with those who are in need, is highly valued in Islam. The Hadith of Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) further emphasizes this principle by highlighting the superiority of the connections established by a pauper over the shunning of the affluent.

This Hadith teaches us that the worth of a relationship is not determined by the wealth or social status of the person involved. Rather, it is the sincerity, compassion, and effort put into maintaining the connection that truly matters. A pauper, despite their material poverty, may possess qualities such as kindness, empathy, and genuine care for others. Their ties, established with love and selflessness, hold greater value in the eyes of Allah than the avoidance or neglect of relationships by the affluent.

Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ), known for his immense knowledge and wisdom, reminds us that it is our duty as Muslims to reach out to others, regardless of their social or economic status. By doing so, we not only fulfill our obligations towards our fellow human beings but also strengthen the bonds of brotherhood and unity within the Muslim community.

The consequences of adhering to this teaching are profound. When we establish connections with those in need, we contribute to their well-being and alleviate their hardships. We create a sense of belonging and support, fostering a society built on compassion and empathy. Moreover, by prioritizing relationships over material wealth, we detach ourselves from the superficialities of this world and focus on the true essence of our existence – to worship Allah and serve His creation.

Reflecting upon this Hadith, we should ask ourselves: Are we actively seeking to establish and maintain ties with those in need? Are we prioritizing relationships over material possessions? Are we embodying the qualities of compassion, empathy, and selflessness in our interactions with others?

May Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) guide us to follow the teachings of Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) and strengthen our bonds of brotherhood and sisterhood. May He grant us the wisdom to recognize the true value of relationships and the ability to prioritize them in our lives. And may He bless us with the ability to serve others with sincerity and love.