Hadith #305

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

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

الْمَسْؤُولُ حُرُّ حَتَّى يَعِدَ۔

This can be translated as:

The person who is approached with a request is free until he promises.

Let us delve into the meaning of the important words in this Hadith. The word (al-mas'ool) "الْمَسْؤُولُ" refers to the person who is being asked or approached with a request. This person holds the freedom to accept or decline the request until they make a promise. The word (hurr) "حُرُّ" signifies freedom, indicating that the person has the liberty to make a decision based on their own judgment and circumstances. And finally, the word (ya'id) "يَعِدَ" means to promise or commit oneself to fulfill the request.

To understand the profound wisdom behind this Hadith, we can turn to the Quran for guidance. Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) says in Surah Al-Baqarah (2:286):

Allah does not burden a soul beyond that it can bear.

This verse emphasizes the principle of individual freedom and the fact that no one should be compelled beyond their capacity. It is a reminder that each person has the right to exercise their own judgment and make decisions that align with their abilities and circumstances.

Furthermore, in Surah Al-Isra (17:80), Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) states:

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 highlights the importance of seeking Allah's guidance and support in making decisions. It reminds us that we should rely on Allah's wisdom and strength when faced with requests or decisions that may impact our freedom.

Imam Ali's (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) Hadith teaches us that until a person makes a promise, they are free to consider the request and weigh its implications. This freedom allows individuals to assess their own capabilities, resources, and priorities before committing to any obligation. It safeguards their autonomy and prevents them from being burdened with responsibilities that they may not be able to fulfill.

This Hadith also highlights the importance of honesty and integrity in our interactions with others. When someone approaches us with a request, it is essential to be truthful and transparent about our ability to fulfill it. Making false promises not only goes against the teachings of Islam but also damages trust and undermines the harmony within the community.

Moreover, this Hadith encourages us to be mindful of our own limitations and to prioritize our responsibilities. It reminds us that we should not feel pressured to say "yes" to every request if it compromises our well-being or hinders us from fulfilling our existing commitments. By exercising our freedom wisely, we can maintain a balance in our lives and ensure that we are fulfilling our duties to Allah, ourselves, and others.

In conclusion, the Hadith of Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) teaches us the importance of individual freedom and the responsibility that comes with it. It reminds us to exercise our judgment and consider our capabilities before making any promises or commitments. By aligning our decisions with the teachings of the Quran, we can maintain our integrity, preserve our well-being, and contribute positively to our communities. May Allah (تَبَارَكَ وَتَعَالَىٰ) grant us the wisdom to make sound choices and the strength to fulfill our obligations.