Hadith #6354

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 noble companions.

The Arabic Hadith of Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) states, "نِعْمَ العَوْنُ المُظاهَرَةُ۔" This can be translated as,

The best [form of] help is giving support.

In order to understand the essence of this Hadith, let us delve into the key words and their implications.

The word (awun) "عَوْن" in Arabic refers to assistance, aid, or support. It signifies the act of providing help to someone in need. Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) emphasizes that this form of assistance is the best, highlighting its significance and superiority over other forms of help.

The term (muzaharah) "مُظاهَرَة" is derived from the root word (zahara) "ظَهَرَ", which means to manifest or show. In this context, it refers to the act of openly expressing support or standing by someone. It implies not only providing assistance but also making it evident and visible to others.

To further comprehend the depth of this Hadith, let us turn to the Quran for guidance. Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) says in Surah Al-Baqarah, Ayah 195,

And spend in the way of Allah and do not throw [yourselves] with your [own] hands into destruction [by refraining]. And do good; indeed, Allah loves the doers of good.

This verse emphasizes the importance of spending in the way of Allah, which includes providing support and assistance to those in need. It encourages Muslims to actively engage in acts of kindness and generosity, as Allah loves those who do good.

Another relevant verse is found in Surah Al-Ma'idah, Ayah 2, where Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) says,

And cooperate in righteousness and piety, but do not cooperate in sin and aggression. And fear Allah; indeed, Allah is severe in penalty.

This verse highlights the significance of cooperation in matters of righteousness and piety. It emphasizes the importance of Muslims coming together to support one another in acts that are pleasing to Allah. It encourages unity and collaboration in promoting goodness and discourages any form of cooperation in sin or aggression.

Now, let us reflect on the meaning of Imam Ali's (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) Hadith. By stating that the best form of help is giving support, Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) emphasizes the importance of actively and openly assisting others. It is not enough to merely provide assistance; it is equally essential to make it evident and visible to others.

Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) encourages Muslims to go beyond the basic obligations of charity and extend their support in a way that inspires and motivates others. By openly expressing our assistance, we not only fulfill the needs of those in need but also inspire others to follow suit.

This Hadith reminds us of the importance of being proactive in our support for others. It encourages us to actively seek out opportunities to assist those in need, rather than waiting for them to come to us. It teaches us that true help is not limited to financial aid but encompasses emotional support, guidance, and any form of assistance that can alleviate the burdens of others.

In conclusion, the Hadith of Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) teaches us that the best form of help is giving support. It urges us to actively and openly assist others, inspiring them and those around us to engage in acts of kindness and generosity. By following this guidance, we can strive to embody the true essence of Islam and fulfill our duty as Muslims to support and uplift one another. May Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) guide us on this path and enable us to be a source of help and support for those in need.