Hadith #1826

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 Arabic Hadith of Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) states,

نِعْمَ عَونُ الوَرَعِ التَّجَوُّعُ

which translates to

How good an assistant of piety hunger is!

This profound statement by Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) highlights the significance of hunger as a means to enhance one's piety and spiritual growth.

Let us delve deeper into the words used in this Hadith. (assistant) "عَوْنُ" refers to something or someone that aids or supports. (piety) "الوَرَعِ" signifies the state of being cautious and mindful of Allah's commands, avoiding anything that may lead to disobedience. And finally, (hunger) "التَّجَوُّعُ" refers to the physical sensation of being hungry.

To understand the profound wisdom behind this statement, we can turn to the Quran for guidance. Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) says in Surah Al-Baqarah (2:183),

O you who have believed, decreed upon you is fasting as it was decreed upon those before you that you may become righteous.

This verse emphasizes the importance of fasting as a means to attain righteousness and piety.

Hunger, experienced during fasting, serves as a powerful tool to strengthen one's piety. When a person willingly abstains from food and drink for the sake of Allah, it cultivates self-discipline, self-control, and a heightened awareness of one's dependence on Allah. This experience of hunger humbles the individual and reminds them of their vulnerability and reliance on Allah's sustenance.

Furthermore, hunger serves as a constant reminder of those who are less fortunate and suffer from chronic hunger. It instills empathy and compassion within the hearts of Muslims, motivating them to help those in need and fulfill their duty of charity. Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) says in Surah Al-Insan (76:8-9),

And they give food in spite of love for it to the needy, the orphan, and the captive, [Saying], 'We feed you only for the countenance of Allah. We wish not from you reward or gratitude.'

Imam Ali's (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) statement highlights the transformative power of hunger in nurturing piety. By willingly experiencing hunger, Muslims can develop a greater sense of mindfulness towards Allah's commands, cultivate empathy for the less fortunate, and strengthen their connection with their Creator.

This Hadith also serves as a reminder that true piety is not merely confined to outward acts of worship, but encompasses a holistic approach to spirituality. It emphasizes the importance of internalizing the values and principles of Islam, allowing them to manifest in one's thoughts, actions, and character.

In conclusion, the Hadith of Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) teaches us the profound lesson that hunger, when embraced with the intention of seeking closeness to Allah, becomes a powerful assistant in nurturing piety. It reminds us of the transformative power of fasting and the importance of developing a deep sense of mindfulness, empathy, and gratitude towards Allah's blessings. May Allah guide us all on the path of piety and grant us the strength to embrace hunger as a means to enhance our spirituality.