اَلْكَريمُ إذَا احْتاجَ إلَيْكَ أعْفاكَ، وإذَا احْتَجْتَ إلَيْهِ كَفاكَ۔
When a noble-minded person needs you he excuses you [from helping him] and when you need him he suffices you.
— Imam Ali a.s.
(Ghurar al-Hikam: The Noble -Minded And Munificent)
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) beautifully captures the essence of nobility and selflessness. Let us delve into the exegesis of this enlightening Hadith.
The word (karim) "كَرِيم" in Arabic refers to someone who possesses noble qualities, generosity, and magnanimity. It is a term used to describe individuals who are honorable, kind-hearted, and selfless. Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) is highlighting the behavior of a truly noble person in this Hadith.
The first part of the Hadith states,
When a noble-minded person needs you he excuses you [from helping him].
This means that when someone who possesses noble qualities seeks your assistance, they are considerate and understanding of your circumstances. They do not burden you with their needs, but rather, they excuse you from helping them. This demonstrates their humility and selflessness, as they prioritize the well-being and comfort of others over their own needs.
To support this concept, we find a beautiful verse in the Quran in Surah Al-Hashr (59:9), where Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) describes the qualities of the Ansar, the helpers of the Prophet Muhammad (ﷺ):
They give preference over themselves, even though they are in need.
This verse emphasizes the selflessness and generosity of the Ansar, who prioritized the needs of the Prophet (ﷺ) and the migrants over their own needs. Similarly, a noble-minded person, as described by Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ), exhibits this same selflessness and consideration for others.
The second part of the Hadith states,
And when you need him he suffices you.
This means that when you are in need and turn to a noble-minded person, they are there to support and assist you. They do not hesitate to provide for your needs and ensure that you are taken care of. This reflects their sense of responsibility and compassion towards others.
In the Quran, Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) emphasizes the importance of helping one another in times of need. In Surah Al-Baqarah (2:83), Allah says,
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 highlights the obligation to assist those in need, including relatives, orphans, and the needy. A noble-minded person, as described by Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ), fulfills this obligation by sufficing the needs of others when they are in need.
Imam Ali's (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) Hadith serves as a reminder for Muslims to embody the qualities of nobility, selflessness, and compassion. It encourages us to be considerate of others' circumstances and to prioritize their well-being. It also reminds us of the importance of helping one another in times of need, as this is a fundamental aspect of our faith.
By following the teachings of Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) and the guidance of the Quran, we can strive to become noble-minded individuals who excel in generosity, kindness, and selflessness. May Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) grant us the ability to embody these qualities and fulfill our responsibilities towards one another.
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