Hadith #8481

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) emphasizes the importance of self-reliance and self-sufficiency for the poor. It states that it is obligatory for a person who is in need to refrain from seeking assistance from others unless they are truly compelled to do so.

Let us delve into the deeper meaning of this Hadith by examining the key words and their implications. The word (faqeer) "فَقير" refers to a person who is poor or in need. It encompasses those who lack financial resources, as well as those who are deprived in various aspects of life. The term (layabzul) "لايَبْذُلَ" means to not put forward or present. It implies that the person in need should not readily ask for help or seek assistance from others. The phrase (min ghayri idtirar) "مِنْ غَيْرِ اضْطِرَار" translates to

unless he has no other choice.

This indicates that the person should only seek help when they have exhausted all other options and are left with no alternative.

The Quranic verses provide us with a comprehensive understanding of the importance of self-reliance and self-sufficiency. Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) encourages believers to strive for sustenance and not to depend solely on others. In Surah At-Talaq (65:3), Allah says,

And will provide for him from where he does not expect. And whoever relies upon Allah - then He is sufficient for him.

This verse highlights the divine promise of sustenance for those who put their trust in Allah and make sincere efforts to provide for themselves.

Furthermore, in Surah Adh-Dhariyat (51:19), Allah states,

And in the heaven is your provision and whatever you are promised.

This verse reminds us that our sustenance is ultimately in the hands of Allah, and He has already decreed what is destined for us. It encourages us to have faith in His provisions and to strive for it through lawful means.

Imam Ali's (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) Hadith aligns with these Quranic teachings by emphasizing the importance of self-reliance. It encourages individuals to exhaust all possible means before seeking assistance from others. This approach fosters a sense of dignity, self-respect, and independence among the needy. It also promotes a culture of self-sufficiency within the community, where individuals are encouraged to utilize their skills and resources to overcome their difficulties.

By refraining from immediately seeking help, the person in need is motivated to explore alternative solutions and tap into their own potential. This can lead to personal growth, development of skills, and the discovery of hidden strengths. It also prevents the individual from becoming complacent or reliant on others, thereby fostering a sense of empowerment and self-confidence.

However, it is important to note that this Hadith does not negate the importance of charity and helping those in need. Islam strongly encourages Muslims to be compassionate and generous towards the less fortunate. The obligation mentioned in the Hadith refers specifically to the person in need, reminding them to prioritize self-reliance and only seek assistance when absolutely necessary.

In conclusion, the Hadith of Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) highlights the importance of self-reliance and self-sufficiency for the poor. It encourages individuals to exhaust all possible means before seeking help from others, promoting personal growth, empowerment, and independence. This aligns with the Quranic teachings that emphasize striving for sustenance and putting trust in Allah's provisions. As Muslims, we should strive to strike a balance between self-reliance and compassion, ensuring that we support and uplift those in need while also encouraging their self-sufficiency and dignity. May Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) guide us all in following the teachings of Islam and grant us the ability to help others while fostering their self-reliance.