Hadith #9193

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 provided Hadith of Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) states:

When the munificent person is well-to-do, he fulfils the needs [of others] and when he faces hard times, he lightens the burden of others [by not seeking their assistance].

This Hadith emphasizes the noble character of a generous person and highlights their behavior in both prosperous and challenging times.

Let us delve into the key words of this Hadith for a better understanding. The word (karim) "كَرِيم" refers to someone who is generous, noble, and honorable. It is derived from the root word (karam) "كَرَمَ", which means to be generous and kind. The word (aysara) "أَيْسَرَ" means to become well-to-do or prosperous, while (asara) "أَعْسَرَ" refers to facing hardship or difficulty. The word (asa'afa) "أَسْعَفَ" means to fulfill the needs of others, and (khaffafa) "خَفَّفَ" means to lighten the burden of others.

To understand the profound wisdom behind this Hadith, we can turn to the Quran for guidance. Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) says in Surah Al-Insan (76:8-9):

And they give food in spite of love for it to the needy, the orphan, and the captive, [Saying], 'We feed you only for the countenance of Allah. We wish not from you reward or gratitude.'

This verse highlights the importance of giving to those in need, regardless of one's own circumstances. A generous person, when blessed with wealth and prosperity, fulfills the needs of others without expecting anything in return. They do so solely for the sake of pleasing Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ). This aligns perfectly with the Hadith of Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ), as it emphasizes the duty of a munificent person to fulfill the needs of others when they are well-to-do.

Furthermore, Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) reminds us in Surah Al-Balad (90:16-17):

But he has not broken through the difficult pass. And what can make you know what is [breaking through] the difficult pass?

These verses highlight the challenges and hardships that individuals may face in life. A generous person, even when facing their own difficulties, does not burden others with their problems. They lighten the burden of others by not seeking their assistance, displaying selflessness and empathy.

Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ), known for his immense knowledge and wisdom, exemplified this noble character throughout his life. He fulfilled the needs of the poor and needy, even when he himself faced hardships. His generosity was not limited to his own prosperity, but extended to times of difficulty as well. This Hadith serves as a reminder for Muslims to follow the footsteps of Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) and strive to be generous and selfless in all circumstances.

The consequences of embodying the teachings of this Hadith are profound. By fulfilling the needs of others when we are well-to-do, we contribute to the well-being and happiness of society. This fosters a sense of unity and compassion among Muslims, creating a harmonious community. Similarly, by lightening the burden of others during our own difficult times, we inspire others to do the same and strengthen the bonds of brotherhood and sisterhood.

Reflecting on this Hadith, we should strive to be generous and selfless individuals, fulfilling the needs of others when we are blessed with prosperity and lightening the burden of others during our own hardships. By doing so, we not only follow the example of Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ), but also fulfill the teachings of the Quran, ultimately seeking the pleasure of Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ). May Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) guide us all to embody the qualities of generosity and selflessness in our lives.