Hadith #369

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.

In this profound Hadith of Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ), he beautifully highlights the virtue of humility and trust in Allah for both the rich and the poor. Let us delve deeper into the meanings of the important words used in this Hadith.

The word (tawāḍuʿa) "تَوَاضُعَ" means humility or humbleness. It refers to the act of showing modesty and respect towards others, regardless of their social or economic status. The rich are encouraged to display humility before the poor, recognizing their shared humanity and seeking reward from Allah for their actions.

On the other hand, the word (tīh) "تِيهُ" means haughtiness or pride. It signifies the attitude of the poor towards the rich, where they do not allow themselves to be overwhelmed or intimidated by the wealth and status of others. Instead, they place their complete trust and reliance on Allah, knowing that true success lies in His hands alone.

To understand the significance of this Hadith, let us turn to the Quran for guidance. Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) repeatedly emphasizes the virtue of humility and the dangers of arrogance. In Surah Al-Hujurat (49:13), Allah says,

O mankind, indeed We have created you from male and female and made you peoples and tribes that you may know one another. Indeed, the most noble of you in the sight of Allah is the most righteous of you. Indeed, Allah is Knowing and Acquainted.

This verse reminds us that true nobility lies in righteousness and piety, not in wealth or social status. It is a call for Muslims to recognize the inherent equality of all human beings and to treat one another with respect and humility.

Furthermore, in Surah Al-Qasas (28:77), Allah says,

But seek, through that which Allah has given you, the home of the Hereafter; and [yet], do not forget your share of the world. And do good as Allah has done good to you. And desire not corruption in the land. Indeed, Allah does not like corrupters.

This verse reminds us that wealth and worldly possessions are a means to seek the pleasure of Allah and to do good in this world. It emphasizes the importance of using our resources to benefit others and to strive for the eternal rewards of the Hereafter. It is a reminder for the rich to show humility and gratitude for the blessings they have been given.

In light of these Quranic verses, we can understand the profound wisdom behind Imam Ali's words. The rich are encouraged to show humility before the poor, not out of pity or condescension, but as a means of seeking reward from Allah. By recognizing the dignity and worth of every individual, regardless of their material possessions, the rich can cultivate a sense of empathy and compassion.

Similarly, the poor are reminded to trust in Allah and not be overwhelmed by the wealth and status of others. They are encouraged to rely on Allah's providence and to understand that true success lies in righteousness and piety, not in material wealth. This attitude of trust in Allah enables the poor to maintain their self-respect and dignity, even in the face of adversity.

The consequences of practicing the teachings of this Hadith are profound. When the rich show humility and the poor trust in Allah, it fosters a sense of unity and brotherhood within the Muslim community. It breaks down the barriers of social and economic inequality, creating an environment of mutual respect and support.

Moreover, this Hadith serves as a reminder for all Muslims, regardless of their social or economic status, to prioritize their relationship with Allah above all else. It teaches us that true success and happiness can only be found through sincere devotion to Allah and the pursuit of righteousness.

In conclusion, the Hadith of Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) beautifully encapsulates the virtues of humility and trust in Allah for both the rich and the poor. It reminds us of the importance of recognizing the inherent equality of all human beings and treating one another with respect and compassion. By practicing these teachings, we can foster a sense of unity and brotherhood within the Muslim community, and ultimately, seek the pleasure of Allah in this world and the Hereafter. May Allah guide us all to embody these noble qualities and grant us success in this life and the next.