Hadith #11424

In the name of Allah, the Most Gracious, the Most Merciful. Praise be to Allah, the Lord of all worlds. 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) states,

Loss of hope [in others] is better than entreating the people [for what you need].

This wise utterance holds great wisdom and guidance for all Muslims, regardless of their sect. Let us delve into the exegesis of this Hadith in light of the Quran.

Firstly, let us understand the key words in this Hadith. The word (ya's) "يَأْسُ" refers to the loss of hope or despair. It signifies a state of giving up or feeling hopeless. The word (tadarro') "تَضَرُّعِ" means to entreat, beseech, or implore someone for assistance or favors. It implies a sense of dependency on others.

To comprehend the deeper meaning of this Hadith, we can turn to the Quran for guidance. Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) says in Surah Al-Isra (17:80),

And say: My Lord! Cause me to come in with a firm incoming and to go out with a firm outgoing. And give me from Thy presence a sustaining Power.

This verse emphasizes the importance of relying on Allah alone, seeking His assistance and sustenance. It encourages believers to turn to Allah in times of need, rather than relying on others.

Furthermore, in Surah Al-Ghafir (40:60), Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) says,

And your Lord says: Call upon Me, I will respond to you.

This verse highlights the divine promise of Allah to answer the supplications of His servants. It reinforces the concept of seeking help directly from Allah, rather than relying on human beings.

Now, let us reflect on the impactful message of Imam Ali's (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) Hadith. It teaches us that losing hope in others, in terms of seeking their assistance or favors, is better than constantly relying on them. This does not mean that we should isolate ourselves from society or refuse to seek help when needed. Rather, it emphasizes the importance of placing our ultimate trust and reliance on Allah.

When we constantly rely on others, we may become dependent on them and neglect our relationship with Allah. We may lose sight of the fact that Allah is the ultimate source of all provisions and assistance. By losing hope in others and turning to Allah, we strengthen our faith and develop a deeper connection with our Creator.

Imam Ali's (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) statement also highlights the potential negative consequences of constantly seeking the help of others. It can lead to disappointment, as human beings are fallible and may not always fulfill our expectations. On the other hand, when we turn to Allah, we are assured that He will respond to our supplications in the best way possible, even if it may not align with our immediate desires.

Moreover, this Hadith encourages self-reliance and personal growth. It motivates us to strive and work hard to overcome challenges, rather than relying solely on others to solve our problems. By relying on our own abilities and seeking the assistance of Allah, we develop resilience, perseverance, and a stronger sense of self.

In conclusion, the Hadith of Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) teaches us the importance of placing our ultimate trust and reliance on Allah. It urges us to turn to Him in times of need, rather than constantly seeking the assistance of others. By doing so, we strengthen our faith, develop a deeper connection with our Creator, and cultivate self-reliance. May Allah guide us all to follow the teachings of Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) and grant us the wisdom to understand and implement this profound Hadith in our lives.