Hadith #1823

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 and noble Ahl al-Bayt, and his righteous companions.

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

الجوع خير من الخضوع

which translates to

Hunger is better than subjugation.

This wise utterance of Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) carries deep wisdom and can be understood in the light of the Quran.

The word (hunger) "الجوع" refers to the physical sensation of being hungry, while (subjugation) "الخضوع" refers to being under the control or domination of others. Hunger is a natural bodily need that reminds us of our dependence on Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) for sustenance. It is a temporary discomfort that can be relieved by fulfilling our basic needs. On the other hand, subjugation implies a state of being oppressed, deprived of freedom, and subjected to the will of others.

In the Quran, Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) emphasizes the importance of recognizing our dependence on Him and seeking His sustenance. In Surah Al-Mulk, Allah says, (Quran 67:15)

It is He who made the earth tame for you - so walk among its slopes and eat of His provision - and to Him is the resurrection

This verse reminds us that Allah has provided us with sustenance and has made the earth a place where we can find food to satisfy our hunger. It highlights the importance of recognizing Allah's blessings and being grateful for them.

Furthermore, in Surah Al-Baqarah, Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) says, (Quran 2:155)

And We will surely test you with something of fear and hunger and a loss of wealth and lives and fruits, but give good tidings to the patient

This verse acknowledges that hunger is a test from Allah, along with other challenges that we may face in life. It encourages us to remain patient and steadfast in the face of difficulties.

Imam Ali's (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) statement,

Hunger is better than subjugation,

highlights the importance of preserving our dignity and freedom, even in the face of hardships. It reminds us that it is better to endure temporary hunger than to live in a state of subjugation and oppression. Hunger, in this context, represents the struggle for independence, justice, and the preservation of one's rights.

Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) himself exemplified this principle throughout his life. He refused to submit to the unjust rule of the Umayyad caliphs and fought for the establishment of a just society based on the principles of Islam. He chose to endure hunger and hardship rather than compromising his principles and submitting to oppression.

This statement by Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) serves as a reminder to Muslims that they should never compromise their principles and values, even in the face of difficulties. It encourages us to strive for justice, freedom, and dignity, and to resist any form of subjugation or oppression. It reminds us that true success lies in upholding our principles and remaining steadfast in the face of challenges.

In conclusion, the Hadith of Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ)

Hunger is better than subjugation

teaches us the importance of preserving our dignity and freedom, even in the face of hardships. It reminds us to remain steadfast in upholding our principles and values, and to resist any form of oppression or subjugation. May Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) grant us the strength and courage to follow the example of Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) and strive for justice and freedom.