Hadith #2304

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 purified progeny, and his noble companions.

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

أوْلَى النّاسِ بِالنَّوالِ أغْناهُمْ عَنِ السُّؤالِ

which can be translated as,

The most worthy of giving [to] is the one who feels the least in need of asking [from others].

This beautiful Hadith of Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) highlights the virtue of self-sufficiency and generosity.

To understand the deeper meaning of this Hadith, let us analyze the key words and their implications. The term (awla) "أوْلَى" refers to the one who is most deserving or worthy. (annawal) "النَّوالِ" can be understood as giving or bestowing, while (aghnaahum) "أغْناهُمْ" means to make someone rich or self-sufficient. Lastly, (assu'al) "السُّؤالِ" refers to the act of asking or seeking help.

This Hadith emphasizes the virtue of giving to those who are self-sufficient and do not rely on others for their needs. It encourages Muslims to prioritize their assistance towards those who are financially stable and independent. By doing so, one not only fulfills the needs of others but also helps them maintain their dignity and self-respect.

The Quran provides several verses that support the concept conveyed in this Hadith. In Surah Al-Hashr (59:9), Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) says,

And [also for] those who were settled in the Home [i.e., Al-Madinah] and [adopted] the faith before them. They love those who emigrated to them and find not any want in their breasts of what the emigrants were given but give [them] preference over themselves, even though they are in privation.

This verse highlights the generosity and selflessness of the Ansar (the residents of Madinah) who welcomed and supported the Muhajirun (the emigrants from Makkah) despite their own limited resources.

Another verse that aligns with the spirit of this Hadith is found in Surah Al-Baqarah (2:267), where Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) says,

O you who have believed, spend from the good things which you have earned and from that which We have produced for you from the earth. And do not aim toward the defective therefrom, spending [from that] while you would not take it [yourself] except with closed eyes. And know that Allah is Free of need and Praiseworthy.

This verse encourages Muslims to give from their best and purest possessions, rather than offering something of lesser value or quality.

Imam Ali's (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) Hadith serves as a reminder for Muslims to cultivate a mindset of self-sufficiency and generosity. It encourages us to strive towards financial independence and to be content with what we have, rather than constantly relying on others for our needs. By adopting this mindset, we can alleviate the burden on society and redirect our resources towards those who are truly in need.

Furthermore, this Hadith teaches us the importance of empathy and understanding. It urges us to be mindful of the needs and circumstances of others, and to prioritize our assistance towards those who are less fortunate. By giving to those who are self-sufficient, we not only fulfill their needs but also empower them to continue their journey towards self-reliance.

In conclusion, the Hadith of Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) reminds us of the virtue of self-sufficiency and generosity. It encourages Muslims to prioritize their assistance towards those who are financially stable and independent, while also cultivating a mindset of empathy and understanding. By embodying the principles conveyed in this Hadith, we can contribute to the well-being of society and fulfill our duty as Muslims. May Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) guide us all to be self-sufficient and generous, and may He bless us with the ability to help those in need.