Hadith #8465

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 progeny, and his noble companions.

The Hadith of Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) states:

There is no shame in being far away from one’s hometown; the only shame is being indigent in one’s own hometown.

This beautiful saying highlights the importance of self-sufficiency and the avoidance of dependency, particularly in one's place of origin.

Let us delve into the key words of this Hadith to gain a deeper understanding. The word (ghurbah) "غُرْبَةِ" refers to being far away from one's hometown or being in a foreign land. It signifies physical separation from familiar surroundings and the challenges that come with it. On the other hand, the word (watan) "وَطَنِ" refers to one's homeland or place of origin. It represents a sense of belonging, familiarity, and comfort.

Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) emphasizes that there is no shame or dishonor in being away from one's hometown. This is supported by the Quranic verse in Surah Al-Hajj (22:27), where Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) says,

And proclaim to the people the Hajj [pilgrimage]; they will come to you on foot and on every lean camel; they will come from every distant pass.

Here, Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) acknowledges that people will come from far and wide to perform Hajj, and there is no shame in their journey.

However, Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) makes a clear distinction between physical distance and the shame of being (al-iftiqar) "اَلاِفْتِقارُ", which means indigence or poverty. He highlights that the true shame lies in being needy or dependent in one's own hometown. This implies that one should strive for self-sufficiency and avoid relying on others for their basic needs, especially in a place where they should ideally have a support system.

The Quranic verse in Surah Al-Isra (17:80) supports this notion, where 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 reflects the supplication of Prophet Ibrahim (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ), who sought self-sufficiency and independence in both his entry and exit from a place. It emphasizes the importance of relying on Allah's sustenance rather than being dependent on others.

Imam Ali's (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) statement holds profound implications for our personal and societal lives. On an individual level, it encourages us to strive for self-reliance and avoid becoming a burden on others, even if we are far away from our place of origin. It reminds us to seek knowledge, skills, and opportunities that enable us to provide for ourselves and contribute positively to society.

On a societal level, this Hadith calls for the establishment of systems that promote self-sufficiency and reduce dependency. It urges communities to create an environment where individuals can thrive and fulfill their needs without relying solely on external assistance. This aligns with the Quranic principle of self-sufficiency and the encouragement to engage in trade and economic activities for the betterment of society.

In conclusion, the Hadith of Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) reminds us that there is no shame in being far away from our hometowns. However, the true shame lies in being indigent or dependent in our own hometowns. It encourages us to strive for self-sufficiency, both individually and collectively, and to rely on Allah's sustenance while actively seeking opportunities for growth and development. May Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) grant us the wisdom and strength to embody the teachings of Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) and lead lives of self-sufficiency and dignity.