Hadith #8468

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 Hadith of Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) states,

Poverty with debt is the greatest wretchedness.

This wise utterance highlights the immense hardship and misery that comes with being both poor and burdened with debt. To fully understand the depth of this Hadith, let us delve into its key words and explore its implications in light of the Quran.

The word (faqr) "فَقْر" translates to poverty or destitution. It refers to a state of extreme deprivation, where an individual lacks the basic necessities of life. Poverty is a condition that can lead to immense suffering, as it affects a person's physical, emotional, and spiritual well-being. The Quran acknowledges the challenges faced by the poor and emphasizes the importance of helping them. In Surah Al-Baqarah, Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) says, (Quran 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'

This verse highlights the virtue of providing sustenance to those in need, recognizing the difficulties they face due to poverty.

The word (dayn) "دَيْن" translates to debt. Debt refers to an obligation or liability to repay borrowed money or goods. It can be a source of great stress and anxiety, as it creates a burden on an individual's financial resources. The Quran advises against incurring excessive debt and encourages believers to fulfill their financial obligations. In Surah Al-Baqarah, Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) says, (Quran 5:1)

O you who have believed, fulfill [all] contracts

This verse emphasizes the importance of honoring one's debts and fulfilling financial responsibilities.

When poverty and debt combine, the result is described as (ash-shaqā'u al-akbar) "الشَّقَاءُ الأكْبَرُ", which translates to the greatest wretchedness. This phrase signifies the extreme misery and hardship that arises from being both impoverished and burdened with debt. It represents a state of utter despair and hopelessness, where an individual is trapped in a cycle of poverty and indebtedness. This wretchedness affects not only a person's material well-being but also their mental and emotional state. It can lead to feelings of helplessness, anxiety, and even despair.

Reflecting on this Hadith, we can see the wisdom behind Imam Ali's (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) statement. Poverty alone is a difficult circumstance, but when combined with the burden of debt, it amplifies the suffering and distress experienced by an individual. The weight of financial obligations can be overwhelming, making it even more challenging to escape the clutches of poverty. This Hadith serves as a reminder to Muslims of the importance of avoiding excessive debt and striving to alleviate the hardships faced by the poor.

In conclusion, the Hadith of Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) highlights the immense wretchedness that arises from being both poor and burdened with debt. It serves as a reminder to Muslims of the importance of helping those in need and avoiding excessive financial obligations. By reflecting on this Hadith and the supporting Quranic verses, we can gain a deeper understanding of the challenges faced by the poor and the importance of fulfilling our financial responsibilities. May Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) guide us to be compassionate towards the less fortunate and protect us from the hardships of poverty and debt.