Hadith #4637

In the name of Allah, the Most Gracious, the Most Merciful. May the blessings and peace be upon our beloved Prophet Muhammad (ﷺ), his pure progeny, and his noble companions.

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

مَنْ أحْسَنَ المَسْألَةَ أُسْعِفَ۔

This can be translated into English as,

One who asks properly is aided.

This Hadith highlights the importance of asking in a proper manner and the subsequent assistance that one receives as a result.

Let us delve deeper into the key words of this Hadith to gain a better understanding. The word (ahsana) "أحْسَنَ" means to do something in the best or most excellent manner. In the context of this Hadith, it refers to asking in the best possible way. The word (al-mas'alah) "المَسْألَةَ" means the act of asking or requesting. And finally, the word (us'ifa) "أُسْعِفَ" means to be aided, assisted, or granted what one asks for.

To support the exegesis of this Hadith, let us turn to the Quran for guidance. In Surah Al-Baqarah, Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) says, (Quran 2:186)

And when My servants ask you concerning Me, indeed I am near. I respond to the invocation of the supplicant when he calls upon Me. So let them respond to Me [by obedience] and believe in Me that they may be [rightly] guided.

This verse emphasizes the importance of asking Allah in the best manner, as He is always near and ready to respond to the supplications of His servants.

Furthermore, in Surah Al-Ghafir, Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) states, (Quran 40:60)

And your Lord says, 'Call upon Me; I will respond to you.' Indeed, those who disdain My worship will enter Hell [rendered] contemptible.

This verse highlights the promise of Allah to respond to the calls of His servants. It encourages Muslims to ask Allah in the best way possible, seeking His assistance and guidance.

Now, let us reflect on the essence of this Hadith. Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ), known for his immense knowledge and wisdom, teaches us the importance of asking properly. It is not merely about making a request, but about doing so in the most excellent manner. This encompasses several aspects, such as humility, sincerity, and clarity in our supplications.

When we ask Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) in the best way, we demonstrate our trust and reliance on Him. We acknowledge that He is the source of all assistance and that our success lies in His hands. By asking properly, we align ourselves with the teachings of the Quran and the Sunnah, seeking guidance and blessings from our Creator.

Moreover, this Hadith reminds us that our manner of asking reflects our character and intentions. When we approach others with humility and respect, seeking their assistance in a proper manner, we are more likely to receive their support. This applies to our interactions with fellow Muslims, as well as with people from different backgrounds. By asking properly, we foster positive relationships and create an atmosphere of mutual respect and understanding.

Conversely, if we fail to ask in the best way, we may encounter difficulties in receiving the aid we seek. Our intentions may be misunderstood, or our requests may be disregarded. Therefore, it is essential to reflect on our approach and ensure that we ask in a manner that is pleasing to Allah and in accordance with the teachings of Islam.

In conclusion, the Hadith of Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) teaches us the importance of asking properly. By doing so, we open ourselves to the assistance and blessings of Allah. This Hadith aligns with the teachings of the Quran, which emphasize the significance of asking Allah in the best manner. Let us strive to embody the qualities of humility, sincerity, and clarity in our supplications, seeking the aid of Allah and fostering positive relationships with our fellow Muslims. May Allah guide us to ask in the best way and grant us His assistance.