Hadith #5888

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.

The provided Hadith of Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) highlights the concept of selflessness and the importance of helping others in times of hardship. Let us delve into the deeper meaning of this Hadith by examining its key words and exploring relevant Quranic verses.

The word (musibah) "مُصيبَةٌ" in the Hadith refers to a hardship or affliction that befalls someone. It could be a physical, emotional, or financial difficulty that a person experiences. The word (ghayrik) "غَيْرِكَ" means "other than you," indicating that the hardship is faced by someone else. On the other hand, the word (ajruha) "أجْرُها" means "its reward," while (khayr) "خَيْرٌ" means "better" or "good."

To understand the impactful message of this Hadith, we can turn to the Quran for guidance. Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) says in Surah Al-Baqarah (2:177),

Righteousness is not that you turn your faces toward the east or the west, but [true] righteousness is [in] one who believes in Allah, the Last Day, the angels, the Book, and the prophets and gives wealth, in spite of love for it, to relatives, orphans, the needy, the traveler, those who ask [for help], and for freeing slaves; [and who] establishes prayer and gives zakah; [those who] fulfill their promise when they promise; and [those who] are patient in poverty and hardship and during battle. Those are the ones who have been true, and it is those who are the righteous.

This verse emphasizes the importance of giving wealth and helping those in need, even when faced with personal hardships. It teaches us that true righteousness lies in selflessness and compassion towards others. By assisting others in their times of difficulty, we not only alleviate their suffering but also earn immense rewards from Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ).

Furthermore, Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) reminds us in Surah Al-Hadid (57:20) that

Know that the life of this world is but amusement and diversion and adornment and boasting to one another and competition in increase of wealth and children - like the example of a rain whose [resulting] plant growth pleases the tillers; then it dries and you see it turned yellow; then it becomes [scattered] debris. And in the Hereafter is severe punishment and forgiveness from Allah and approval. And what is the worldly life except the enjoyment of delusion.

This verse serves as a reminder that the material possessions and worldly pleasures we strive for are temporary and fleeting. The true value lies in our actions and how we impact the lives of others. By prioritizing the well-being of others over our own, we attain a higher level of spirituality and earn the pleasure of Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ).

Imam Ali's (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) Hadith encourages us to shift our focus from our own hardships and actively seek opportunities to assist others. It reminds us that the reward and recompense for helping others in their times of difficulty are far greater than any personal hardship we may face. This selflessness not only benefits the individuals we assist but also purifies our hearts and strengthens our relationship with Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ).

To illustrate this concept, let us consider an example. Imagine a person who is going through financial difficulties and is struggling to make ends meet. Despite their own hardships, they come across someone who is in a worse situation, unable to afford basic necessities. Instead of solely focusing on their own problems, they selflessly decide to help the other person by providing financial assistance or finding them a job. By doing so, they not only alleviate the suffering of the other person but also earn immense rewards from Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) for their selflessness and compassion.

In conclusion, the Hadith of Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) teaches us the importance of selflessness and helping others in times of hardship. It urges us to prioritize the well-being of others over our own and highlights the immense rewards that come with such actions. By embodying the spirit of this Hadith and following the teachings of the Quran, we can strive to be compassionate, empathetic, and selfless Muslims who actively contribute to the betterment of society. May Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) grant us the ability to embody these virtues and earn His pleasure.