Hadith #9290

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,

لا غِنى بِأحَد مِنَ الاِرْتيادِ، وقَدْرِ بَلاغِهِ مِنَ الزّادِ۔

This Hadith emphasizes the importance of seeking sustenance and provisions, highlighting that no one can do without them.

Let us delve into the deeper meaning of this Hadith by examining the key words and their implications. The word "غِنى" refers to self-sufficiency or independence, while "اِرْتيادِ" signifies the act of seeking or acquiring sustenance. The word "بَلاغِهِ" refers to the extent or measure of one's ability to convey a message, and "زّادِ" refers to provisions or supplies.

To understand the significance of this Hadith, we can turn to the Quran for guidance. Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) repeatedly emphasizes the importance of seeking sustenance and provisions. In Surah Al-Ankabut, verse 60, Allah says,

And if Allah were to enlarge the provision for His servants, they would certainly transgress in the earth; but He sends it down according to a measure as He pleases; surely He is Aware of His servants, Seeing.

This verse highlights that sustenance is a divine gift from Allah, and it is distributed according to His wisdom and knowledge of what is best for His servants.

Furthermore, in Surah Al-Jinn, verse 11, Allah states,

And that when the prayer is ended, then disperse abroad in the land and seek of Allah's grace, and remember Allah much, that you may be successful.

This verse encourages Muslims to seek the bounties and provisions of Allah after completing their prayers. It emphasizes the importance of actively seeking sustenance while remaining mindful of Allah.

Now, let us reflect on the beautiful message conveyed by Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) in this Hadith. He reminds us that no one can do without seeking sustenance and provisions. This serves as a reminder that it is our responsibility as Muslims to actively engage in efforts to provide for ourselves and our families. It encourages us to work diligently and strive for success in our worldly endeavors, while always relying on Allah's blessings and guidance.

Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) also highlights the importance of conveying our message effectively, as indicated by the phrase "قَدْرِ بَلاغِهِ." This reminds us that it is not enough to simply seek sustenance, but we must also utilize our abilities and knowledge to effectively communicate and share our message with others. This can be applied in various aspects of our lives, such as conveying the teachings of Islam, promoting justice and equality, or advocating for positive change in society.

The consequences of neglecting this advice can be seen in individuals who become complacent and rely solely on others for their sustenance, without making any effort to seek provisions for themselves. This can lead to a lack of motivation, dependency, and a diminished sense of self-worth. On the other hand, those who understand the wisdom behind this Hadith and actively seek sustenance while relying on Allah's blessings will experience personal growth, self-sufficiency, and a sense of fulfillment.

In conclusion, the Hadith of Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) serves as a reminder for Muslims to actively seek sustenance and provisions while relying on Allah's blessings. It emphasizes the importance of working diligently and effectively conveying our message to others. By following this advice, we can achieve personal growth, self-sufficiency, and success in both our worldly and spiritual endeavors. May Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) grant us the wisdom and motivation to embody the teachings of this Hadith.