Hadith #8475

In the name of Allah, the Most Gracious, the Most Merciful. May peace and blessings be upon the Prophet Muhammad (ﷺ), his noble family, the Ahl al-Bayt (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ), and his companions.

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

جالِسِ الفُقَراءَ تَزْدَدْ شُكْراً۔

This can be translated as,

One who sits in the company of the poor increases in [his] gratitude.

Let us delve into the meaning of this Hadith in light of the Quran.

The word (jalis) "جالِسِ" means to sit or be in the company of someone. It implies not just physical proximity, but also engaging in meaningful conversation and interaction. The word (al-fuqara) "الفُقَراءَ" refers to the poor and needy individuals. These are the ones who lack material wealth and are in need of assistance.

To understand the significance of this Hadith, we can turn to the Quran for guidance. Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) repeatedly emphasizes the importance of showing kindness and compassion towards the poor and needy. In Surah Al-Baqarah, Allah says, (2:177)

And they give food in spite of love for it to the needy, the orphan, and the captive

This verse highlights the virtue of providing sustenance to those who are less fortunate.

Furthermore, in Surah Al-Isra, Allah states, (17:29)

And do not make your hand [as] chained to your neck or extend it completely and [thereby] become blamed and insolvent

This verse reminds us not to be stingy or hesitant in giving to those in need, as it leads to a state of spiritual and material poverty.

Imam Ali's (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) Hadith teaches us that by sitting in the company of the poor, we increase in gratitude. This means that when we interact with those who are less fortunate, we develop a deeper appreciation for the blessings bestowed upon us by Allah. We become more aware of the privileges we enjoy and are reminded of the importance of expressing gratitude for them.

Sitting with the poor allows us to witness their struggles and challenges firsthand. We see their resilience, their contentment with little, and their unwavering faith in Allah's provision. This experience humbles us and helps us recognize the blessings we often take for granted. It instills in us a sense of gratitude for the abundance in our lives and motivates us to share our blessings with others.

Moreover, sitting with the poor also serves as a catalyst for self-reflection. It prompts us to evaluate our own actions and lifestyle choices. We may question whether we are using our resources wisely and in accordance with the teachings of Islam. It encourages us to reevaluate our priorities and align them with the values of compassion, generosity, and social justice.

The consequences of following Imam Ali's (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) advice are manifold. By increasing in gratitude, we develop a more positive outlook on life. We become more content with what we have and less inclined to chase after material possessions. This contentment brings inner peace and tranquility to our hearts.

Furthermore, sitting with the poor fosters empathy and compassion within us. It deepens our understanding of the struggles faced by others and motivates us to actively work towards alleviating their suffering. We become more inclined to engage in acts of charity, both in terms of material assistance and emotional support.

In conclusion, the Hadith of Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) teaches us the importance of sitting in the company of the poor and needy. By doing so, we increase in gratitude and develop a deeper appreciation for the blessings in our lives. This practice fosters empathy, compassion, and a sense of social responsibility. It encourages us to actively engage in acts of charity and work towards creating a more just and equitable society. May Allah guide us to follow the teachings of Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) and grant us the ability to be grateful and compassionate Muslims.