Hadith #4655

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 purified progeny, and his noble companions.

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

أشَدُّ مِنَ المَوْتِ طَلَبُ الحاجَةِ مِنْ غَيْرِ أهْلِها۔

This powerful statement translates to,

Seeking one’s need from he who is not worthy [of being asked] is harder than death.

Let us delve into the significance of this Hadith in light of the Quran.

The word (talab) "طَلَبُ" means to seek or request, while (al-hajah) "الحاجَةِ" refers to one's need or necessity. The term (min) "مِنْ" denotes seeking from or asking of. Furthermore, (ghayr) "غَيْرِ" signifies someone who is not deserving or worthy. Lastly, (ahliha) "أهْلِها" refers to the rightful or deserving person.

To understand the depth of this Hadith, we must reflect upon the Quranic teachings. Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) emphasizes the importance of seeking help and fulfilling our needs from those who are deserving and qualified. In Surah Al-Baqarah, Allah says, (Quran 2:45)

And seek help through patience and prayer, and indeed, it is difficult except for the humbly submissive [to Allah]

This verse highlights the significance of seeking assistance from those who are righteous and obedient to Allah.

Additionally, in Surah Al-Isra, Allah states, (Quran 17:24)

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'

This verse emphasizes the importance of showing humility and respect towards our parents, who have raised and nurtured us. It teaches us to seek our needs from those who have fulfilled their responsibilities towards us.

Imam Ali's impactful Hadith highlights the difficulty and severity of seeking our needs from those who are unworthy or undeserving. It is a reminder that seeking help from such individuals can be more challenging than facing death itself. This Hadith serves as a motivation for Muslims to seek guidance, support, and assistance from those who possess knowledge, righteousness, and sincerity.

When we seek our needs from those who are not qualified or deserving, we risk falling into the traps of deception, manipulation, and disappointment. For example, seeking financial advice from someone who lacks expertise in the field can lead to financial loss and hardship. Similarly, seeking spiritual guidance from individuals who are not well-versed in Islamic teachings can lead to confusion and deviation from the right path.

Moreover, seeking our needs from those who are unworthy can have severe consequences on our faith and well-being. It can lead to a loss of trust in others, disillusionment, and a weakened connection with Allah. By emphasizing the difficulty of such actions, Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) urges us to be cautious and discerning in seeking help and fulfilling our needs.

In conclusion, the Hadith of Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) serves as a profound reminder for Muslims to seek their needs from those who are deserving and qualified. It highlights the importance of seeking assistance from individuals who possess knowledge, righteousness, and sincerity. By doing so, we protect ourselves from the hardships and consequences of seeking help from those who are unworthy. May Allah guide us to seek our needs from the right sources and grant us the wisdom to discern between the deserving and the undeserving.