Hadith #3055

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

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

مَنِ احْتَجْتَ إلَيْهِ هُنْتَ عَلَيْهِ۔

This can be translated as,

When you express your needs to someone, you abase yourself before him.

Let us delve into the meaning of the important words in this Hadith. The word (ihtajta) "احْتَجْتَ" is derived from the root word (haja) "حَاجَ" which means "to need" or "to require." It signifies the act of expressing one's needs or seeking assistance from someone. The word (hunta) "هُنْتَ" is derived from the root word (hana) "هَانَ" which means "to abase oneself" or "to humble oneself." It refers to the act of lowering oneself in front of someone.

To understand the wise message of this Hadith, we can turn to the Quran for guidance. Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) reminds us in Surah Al-Isra (17:37),

Do not walk upon the earth exultantly. Indeed, you will never tear the earth [apart], and you will never reach the mountains in height.

This verse emphasizes the importance of humility and modesty in our interactions with others. It reminds us that we should not boast or elevate ourselves above others, as true greatness lies in humility.

Furthermore, in Surah Al-Hujurat (49:11), Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) says,

O you who have believed, let not a people ridicule [another] people; perhaps they may be better than them; nor let women ridicule [other] women; perhaps they may be better than them.

This verse teaches us the importance of refraining from belittling or mocking others. It encourages us to recognize the inherent worth and potential in every individual, regardless of their social status or background.

Now, let us reflect on the enlightening message of Imam Ali's (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) Hadith. When we express our needs to someone, we are essentially acknowledging our own vulnerability and dependence. By doing so, we humble ourselves before the person we are seeking assistance from. This act of humility is not a sign of weakness, but rather a recognition of our shared humanity and interdependence.

Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) is reminding us to approach others with humility and respect, regardless of their position or status. When we express our needs, we should do so with a sense of humility, recognizing that we are all equal in the eyes of Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ). This Hadith encourages us to cultivate a spirit of empathy and compassion towards others, understanding that we all have our own needs and vulnerabilities.

Moreover, this Hadith serves as a reminder of the importance of maintaining a balanced and harmonious society. When we approach others with humility, we foster a sense of unity and cooperation. This leads to the establishment of strong relationships and a supportive community. By abasing ourselves before others, we create an environment where people feel valued and respected, and where their needs are acknowledged and addressed.

In conclusion, the Hadith of Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) teaches us the virtue of humility and the importance of approaching others with respect and empathy. It reminds us to recognize our own vulnerability and to treat others with kindness and compassion. By doing so, we contribute to the creation of a harmonious and inclusive society, where the needs of all individuals are met and valued. May Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) grant us the wisdom to embody the teachings of this Hadith in our daily lives.