Hadith #5941

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 Ahl al-Bayt, and his noble companions.

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

ضَرُورَةُ الفَقْرِ تَبْعَثُ عَلى فَظيعِ الأمْرِ۔

This Hadith highlights the consequences of poverty, stating that the plight of poverty can lead one towards a despicable affair.

To understand the connotation of this Hadith, let us delve into the key words and their implications. The word (darooratu) "ضَرُورَةُ" refers to necessity or compulsion, indicating a state of being compelled or forced. (al-faqr) "الفَقْرِ" translates to poverty, denoting a state of lacking material resources or being in a state of need. (tab'athu) "تَبْعَثُ" means to incite or provoke, signifying the action or consequence of being compelled towards something. Finally, (fathi'il) "فَظيعِ" means despicable or abhorrent, highlighting the negative nature of the affair one is compelled towards.

In order to gain a deeper understanding of this Hadith, let us turn to the Quran for guidance. Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) says in Surah Al-Baqarah, verse 286:

Allah does not burden a soul beyond that it can bear.

This verse reminds us that Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) does not place a burden on anyone that is beyond their capacity to handle. Therefore, when faced with poverty, it is important to remember that Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) has given us the strength and resilience to overcome such challenges.

Furthermore, in Surah Al-Isra, verse 80, Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) says:

And say: My Lord! Cause me to come in with a firm incoming and to go out with a firm outgoing. And give me from Thy presence a sustaining Power.

This verse teaches us to seek Allah's assistance and sustenance during times of difficulty. When faced with poverty, we should turn to Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) in prayer and seek His guidance and support.

The Hadith of Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) sheds light on the consequences of poverty. When one is in a state of extreme need, they may be compelled to engage in actions that are morally reprehensible or against their principles. Poverty can lead individuals to compromise their values, engage in dishonesty, or even resort to unlawful means to fulfill their basic needs. This Hadith serves as a reminder of the challenges faced by those in poverty and the importance of addressing their needs and providing support to alleviate their suffering.

Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) was known for his deep knowledge and wisdom. His words in this Hadith highlight the profound understanding he possessed regarding the human condition and the impact of poverty on individuals. By emphasizing the negative consequences of poverty, Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) urges us to work towards eradicating poverty and creating a just and equitable society where everyone's basic needs are met.

In conclusion, the Hadith of Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) reminds us of the dire consequences of poverty. It serves as a call to action for Muslims to address the needs of the less fortunate and work towards creating a society where poverty is eradicated. By providing support and assistance to those in need, we can help alleviate their suffering and prevent them from being compelled towards despicable affairs. May Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) guide us in our efforts to alleviate poverty and grant us the wisdom to understand the challenges faced by the less fortunate.