Hadith #3523

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

The Hadith of Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) states,

Supplication for a beggar is one of the two charities [that one can give].

This Hadith highlights the significance of supplicating for those who are in need, particularly beggars. To understand the depth of this statement, let us delve into the meanings of the important words in this Hadith.

The word (du'a) "دُعَاء" refers to supplication or prayer. It is an act of reaching out to Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) with humility, seeking His help and mercy. Supplication is a powerful tool for believers to connect with their Creator and seek His blessings and guidance.

The term (lissa'il) "لِلسَّائِلِ" refers to the beggar or the one who asks for help. This includes those who are in need, whether it be for food, shelter, or any other necessity. It is important to note that Islam encourages helping those in need and emphasizes the importance of generosity and compassion towards others.

The phrase (ahadu assadaqatayn) "أحَدُ الصَّدَقَتَيْنِ" translates to

one of the two charities.

This implies that supplicating for a beggar is considered as a form of charity, alongside other acts of giving. It highlights the significance and reward of supplicating for those in need.

To further understand the importance of supplicating for beggars, let us turn to the Quran for guidance. Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) states in Surah Al-Baqarah, verse 83:

And [recall] when We took the covenant from the Children of Israel, [enjoining upon them], 'Do not worship except Allah; and to parents do good and to relatives, orphans, and the needy. And speak to people good [words] and establish prayer and give zakah.' Then you turned away, except a few of you, and you were refusing.

This verse emphasizes the importance of caring for the needy and the less fortunate. It is a duty upon Muslims to extend their support and assistance to those who are in need, including beggars. By supplicating for them, we fulfill our obligation of helping the less fortunate and demonstrate our compassion and empathy towards them.

Furthermore, in Surah Ad-Duha, Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) consoles the Prophet Muhammad (ﷺ) by saying, (Quran 93:6-8)

Did He not find you an orphan and give [you] refuge? And He found you lost and guided [you], And He found you poor and made [you] self-sufficient.

This verse reminds us of the importance of helping those who are in need, as we ourselves may have been in similar circumstances at some point in our lives.

Supplicating for beggars not only fulfills our duty of charity but also has profound consequences. It cultivates a sense of humility, gratitude, and empathy within us. It reminds us of our own blessings and the responsibility we have towards our fellow human beings. By supplicating for beggars, we acknowledge their struggles and hardships, and we pray for their well-being and relief from their difficulties.

Moreover, supplicating for beggars serves as a means of seeking Allah's mercy and blessings. It is an act of worship that brings us closer to our Creator. It demonstrates our trust in Allah's ability to alleviate the suffering of those in need and our hope for His mercy and assistance.

In conclusion, the Hadith of Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) highlights the significance of supplicating for beggars as a form of charity. It reminds us of our duty to help those in need and encourages us to extend our support and assistance to them. By supplicating for beggars, we fulfill our obligation of charity, cultivate empathy and gratitude within ourselves, and seek Allah's mercy and blessings. May Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) enable us to be compassionate and generous towards those in need and accept our supplications for their well-being.