Hadith #8461

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

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

The hardships of poverty are preferable to facing humiliation.

This amazing Hadith highlights the value and dignity of a person, emphasizing that it is better to endure the difficulties of poverty than to compromise one's self-respect and honor by submitting to humiliation.

Let us delve into the words of this Hadith to gain a deeper understanding. The word (muqasat) "مُقاساةُ" means "the hardships" or "the difficulties." It refers to the challenges and struggles that one may face in life, particularly in relation to poverty and its associated hardships. On the other hand, the word (al-iqlal) "الإقْلالِ" means "poverty" or

being in a state of need.

It signifies a lack of material wealth and resources.

The second part of the Hadith states, (walā mulāqātu al-idhāl) "ولامُلاقاةُ الإذلالِ". Here, the word (mulāqāt) "مُلاقاةُ" means "facing" or "encountering," while (al-idhāl) "الإذلالِ" refers to "humiliation" or "degradation." It refers to the act of being subjected to humiliation or being treated in a demeaning manner.

To understand the wise message of this Hadith, we can turn to the Quran for guidance. Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) says in Surah Al-Hajj (22:15),

Whoever thinks that Allah will not support him in this world and the Hereafter - let him extend a rope to the ceiling, then cut off [his breath], and let him see: will his effort remove that which enrages [him]?

This verse highlights the importance of relying on Allah's support and not compromising one's dignity, even in the face of adversity.

Furthermore, in Surah An-Nahl (16:46), Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) says,

Or that Allah may catch them in the midst of their going to and fro (in their jobs), so that there be no escape for them (from Allah's punishment)?

This verse reminds us that Allah has the power to hold people accountable for their actions, and those who humiliate others will not be able to escape His justice.

Imam Ali's (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) statement highlights the importance of maintaining one's self-respect and honor, even in the face of poverty and hardship. It teaches us that it is better to endure the difficulties of poverty than to compromise our dignity by submitting to humiliation. This principle is rooted in the teachings of the Quran, which emphasize the value of human dignity and the importance of treating others with respect and kindness.

By choosing to endure the hardships of poverty rather than facing humiliation, we demonstrate our commitment to upholding our self-worth and dignity. This choice reflects our belief in the inherent value of every human being, regardless of their material wealth or social status. It also serves as a reminder that our true worth lies not in our possessions or external circumstances, but in our character and integrity.

Moreover, Imam Ali's (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) statement encourages us to have faith in Allah's support and to trust in His wisdom and justice. It reminds us that Allah is the ultimate provider and sustainer, and He will never abandon those who rely on Him. By choosing to endure the hardships of poverty, we place our trust in Allah's plan and seek His pleasure, knowing that He will reward our patience and steadfastness.

In conclusion, the Hadith of Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) teaches us the importance of maintaining our self-respect and dignity, even in the face of poverty and hardship. It reminds us that it is better to endure the difficulties of poverty than to compromise our honor by submitting to humiliation. This principle is in line with the teachings of the Quran, which emphasize the value of human dignity and the importance of treating others with respect and kindness. By choosing to uphold our self-worth and trust in Allah's support, we demonstrate our commitment to living a life of integrity and righteousness. May Allah guide us to always choose the path of dignity and honor.