Hadith #8484

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

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

رُبَّ فَقير أعَزُّ مِنْ أسَد۔

This translates to,

Many a poor person is mightier than a lion.

Let us delve into the exegesis of this enlightening Hadith in light of the Quran.

The word (faqeer) "فَقير" in this Hadith refers to a person who is financially poor or lacking material wealth. However, the true essence of this word goes beyond mere financial poverty. It encompasses humility, contentment, and reliance on Allah. It is a state of being where one recognizes their complete dependence on Allah and seeks His assistance in all matters.

In the Quran, Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) emphasizes the virtue of humility and contentment. In Surah Al-Hajj, Allah says, (Quran 22:11)

And among the people is he who worships Allah on an edge. If he is touched by good, he is reassured by it; but if he is struck by trial, he turns on his face [to the other direction]. He has lost [this] world and the Hereafter. That is what is the manifest loss.

This verse highlights the importance of being steadfast in our worship and relying solely on Allah, regardless of our circumstances. A person who possesses true faith and trust in Allah, even in the face of adversity, is indeed mightier than a lion. Their strength lies in their unwavering belief in Allah's power and His ability to provide for them.

Furthermore, the word (a'azzu) "أعَزُّ" in the Hadith denotes strength, power, and honor. It refers to the inner strength and resilience that comes from one's faith and reliance on Allah. This strength is not limited to physical might but encompasses spiritual, emotional, and intellectual fortitude.

In the Quran, Allah (تَبَارَكَ وَتَعَالَىٰ) reminds us of the true source of strength. In Surah Al-Anfal, Allah says, (Quran 47:7)

O you who have believed, if you support Allah, He will support you and plant firmly your feet.

This verse emphasizes that true strength lies in supporting and aligning oneself with Allah's cause. When we place our trust in Allah and seek His guidance, we are granted the strength to overcome any challenges that come our way.

Imam Ali's statement highlights the fact that true strength and honor are not measured by material possessions or physical prowess. Rather, it is the strength of character, faith, and reliance on Allah that makes a person truly powerful. A poor person who possesses these qualities is mightier than a lion, as their strength lies in their unwavering trust in Allah and their ability to face adversity with patience and resilience.

This Hadith serves as a reminder for us as Muslims to prioritize our spiritual strength and character over worldly possessions. It encourages us to seek strength through our faith and reliance on Allah, rather than relying solely on material wealth or physical abilities. It teaches us that true honor and power come from our connection with Allah and our adherence to His guidance.

Reflecting on this Hadith, we should strive to cultivate qualities such as humility, contentment, and reliance on Allah in our lives. We should seek strength through our faith and trust in Allah, knowing that He is the ultimate source of power and honor. By doing so, we can become like the poor person mentioned in the Hadith, who is mightier than a lion in the sight of Allah.

May Allah (عَزَّ وَجَلَّ) grant us the strength to overcome our trials and tribulations, and may He bless us with true honor and power through our unwavering faith and reliance on Him. Ameen.