Hadith #3053

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 Hadith of Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) states,

Turning away the needy is the cause of diminishment of affluence.

This enlightening saying highlights the importance of helping those in need and the consequences of neglecting this duty.

Let us delve into the key words of this Hadith to gain a deeper understanding. The word (zawal) "زَوَالِ" means "diminishment" or "decrease," indicating a decline or loss. (al-yasar) "الْيَسَارِ" refers to "affluence" or "wealth," signifying a state of abundance or prosperity. (man') "مَنْعُ" means "turning away" or "preventing," implying the act of denying or refusing assistance. Lastly, (al-muhtaj) "الْمُحْتَاجِ" refers to "the needy" or

the one in need,

encompassing those who require support due to their lack of resources.

To further comprehend the significance of this Hadith, we can turn to the Quran for guidance. Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) emphasizes the importance of helping the needy in numerous verses. In Surah Al-Baqarah, Allah says, (2:177)

And they give food in spite of love for it to the needy, the orphan, and the captive

This verse highlights the act of providing sustenance to those in need, emphasizing the selflessness and compassion required to fulfill this duty.

Additionally, in Surah Al-Isra, Allah states, (17:29)

And do not make your hand [as] chained to your neck or extend it completely and [thereby] become blamed and insolvent

This verse warns against withholding assistance from the needy, as it leads to blame and impoverishment. It reminds us that turning away from those in need not only harms them but also has negative consequences for ourselves.

Reflecting on the Hadith of Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ), we can understand that neglecting the duty of helping the needy results in a decrease in affluence. This decrease can manifest in various ways, including financial difficulties, a lack of blessings in one's wealth, or a decrease in overall prosperity. By turning away those in need, we are depriving ourselves of the blessings and barakah that come from selflessly assisting others.

Furthermore, this Hadith serves as a motivation for Muslims to actively seek opportunities to help those in need. By doing so, we not only fulfill our duty as believers but also ensure the preservation and growth of our own affluence. When we open our hearts and extend a helping hand to the needy, we invite the mercy and blessings of Allah into our lives.

Conversely, if we choose to ignore the needs of others, we risk losing the favor and abundance bestowed upon us by Allah. This Hadith reminds us of the interconnectedness of our actions and their consequences. It teaches us that by neglecting the needy, we are ultimately diminishing our own blessings and prosperity.

In conclusion, the Hadith of Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) serves as a powerful reminder for Muslims to prioritize the assistance of the needy. It highlights the consequences of turning away those in need, emphasizing the importance of selflessness and compassion. By actively seeking opportunities to help others, we not only fulfill our religious obligations but also ensure the preservation and growth of our own affluence. May Allah guide us to be generous and compassionate towards the needy and grant us the wisdom to understand the profound teachings of our beloved Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ).