Hadith #4634

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

The Arabic phrase

آفَةُ الطَّلَبِ عَدَمُ النَّجاحِ

from the Hadith of Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) can be translated as

The bane of asking [others] is lack of success [in getting what one asks for].

This thought-provoking Hadith of Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) highlights the consequences of relying solely on others for our needs and desires.

To understand the deeper meaning of this Hadith, we can turn to the Quran for guidance. Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) reminds us in Surah Al-Furqan, verse 60:

And when it is said to them, 'Prostrate to the Most Merciful,' they say, 'And what is the Most Merciful? Should we prostrate to that which you order us?' And it increases them in aversion.

This verse illustrates the resistance and aversion that some people have towards seeking help from Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) alone.

Imam Ali's (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) statement emphasizes the negative consequences of relying on others instead of turning to Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) for our needs. When we constantly seek help from people, we may experience disappointment and failure. This is because human beings are fallible and limited in their abilities. They may not always be able to fulfill our requests or meet our expectations. However, when we seek help and guidance directly from Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ), we are tapping into an infinite source of power and mercy.

The Quran further emphasizes the importance of relying on Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) alone in Surah Al-Ghafir, verse 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 (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) to respond to our supplications when we call upon Him sincerely. It also warns against neglecting the worship of Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) and relying on other means, as it leads to a state of humiliation and punishment.

Imam Ali's (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) statement serves as a reminder for Muslims to place their trust and reliance on Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) alone. It encourages us to turn to Him in times of need, seeking His assistance and guidance. When we rely solely on Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ), we are acknowledging His infinite power, wisdom, and mercy. This reliance on Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) not only brings us closer to Him but also opens the doors of success and fulfillment in our lives.

For example, if someone is facing financial difficulties and constantly seeks help from others without turning to Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ), they may find temporary relief or assistance. However, true success and lasting solutions can only be found by seeking Allah's (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) guidance and blessings. By sincerely supplicating to Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) and putting their trust in Him, they may find unexpected sources of income, opportunities, or blessings that alleviate their financial difficulties.

In conclusion, Imam Ali's (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) statement in this Hadith emphasizes the importance of relying on Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) alone for our needs and desires. It serves as a reminder to Muslims that seeking help solely from others may lead to disappointment and failure. By turning to Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) and placing our trust in Him, we open the doors of success and fulfillment in our lives. May Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) guide us all to seek His assistance and blessings in all aspects of our lives.