Hadith #3593

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 purified progeny, and his noble companions.

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

ألا حُرٌّ يَدَعُ هذِهِ اللُّماظَةَ لأِهْلِها۔

which translates to,

Is there no freeman who would forsake this leftover for those who deserve it?

This statement by Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) carries a beautiful message about selflessness and the importance of prioritizing the needs of others over our own.

Let us delve deeper into the words used in this Hadith. The term (hurr) "حُرٌّ" refers to a free person, someone who is not enslaved or bound by any external forces. Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) is calling upon those who possess this freedom to make a conscious choice to abandon their own desires and preferences for the sake of others. The word (lumazah) "لُّمَاظَةَ" refers to something that is left over or surplus. It signifies an excess or abundance that can be shared with those who are in need.

To understand the deeper meaning of this Hadith, we can turn to the Quran for guidance. Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) says in Surah Al-Hashr (59:9),

And [also for] those who were settled in the Home [i.e., Al-Madinah] and [adopted] the faith before them. They love those who emigrated to them and find not any want in their breasts of what the emigrants were given but give [them] preference over themselves, even though they are in privation. And whoever is protected from the stinginess of his soul - it is those who will be the successful.

This verse highlights the noble character of the Ansar (the residents of Madinah) who welcomed and supported the Muhajirun (the emigrants from Makkah). Despite having limited resources, the Ansar prioritized the needs of the Muhajirun over their own. They displayed selflessness and generosity, embodying the essence of this Hadith of Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ).

Furthermore, in Surah Al-Insan (76:8-9), Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) says,

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 emphasizes the importance of giving to those in need, without expecting anything in return. It encourages Muslims to provide sustenance and support to the less fortunate, purely for the sake of pleasing Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ). This aligns perfectly with the message conveyed by Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) in the Hadith, urging us to forsake our own surplus for the benefit of those who truly deserve it.

Imam Ali's (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) statement serves as a reminder for Muslims to examine their own lives and assess whether they are utilizing their freedom and resources to help others. It encourages us to reflect on our priorities and consider the needs of those around us. By forsaking our own excesses and sharing them with those who are in need, we can contribute to building a more compassionate and just society.

This Hadith also highlights the profound knowledge and wisdom of Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ). His words are not only rooted in the teachings of the Quran but also reflect his deep understanding of human nature and the importance of selflessness. Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) was known for his immense knowledge and his ability to apply that knowledge in practical ways to benefit society.

In conclusion, the Hadith of Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) serves as a powerful reminder for Muslims to prioritize the needs of others over their own desires and excesses. It calls upon us to utilize our freedom and resources to benefit those who truly deserve it. By following the teachings of the Quran and the example set by Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ), we can strive to create a more compassionate and selfless society, pleasing Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) and embodying the true spirit of Islam. May Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) guide us all on this path of selflessness and grant us success in this world and the Hereafter.