Hadith #4647

In the name of Allah, the Most Gracious, the Most Merciful. All praise is due to Allah, the Lord of all the worlds. May peace and blessings be upon our beloved Prophet Muhammad (ﷺ), his pure progeny, and his righteous companions.

The provided Hadith of Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) emphasizes the importance of not turning away those who ask for help and maintaining one's generosity by not depriving them. Let us delve into the deeper meaning of this amazing Hadith and explore its significance in light of the Quran.

The word (sa'il) "سَائِلَ" in the Hadith refers to a beggar or someone who asks for assistance. It is derived from the root word (sa'ala) "سَأَلَ", which means to ask or request. This term encompasses not only those who ask for material aid but also those who seek guidance, knowledge, or emotional support. Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) advises us not to turn away from those who come to us seeking help, regardless of their needs.

This noble teaching of Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) finds support in the Quran, where Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) repeatedly emphasizes the importance of charity, kindness, and helping those in need. Allah says in Surah Al-Baqarah, verse 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.

This verse highlights the significance of giving to those who ask for help. It reminds us that true righteousness lies in our willingness to share our blessings with others, regardless of their background or circumstances. By not turning away the beggar, we safeguard our magnanimity and preserve our noble qualities.

Imam Ali's (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) advice also aligns with the teachings of the Quran in Surah Al-Isra, verse 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 seeking Allah's help and sustenance in all aspects of our lives. By helping those in need, we establish a firm connection with Allah and seek His blessings and guidance.

Furthermore, the Quran teaches us in Surah Al-Ma'un, verses 1-7:

Have you seen the one who denies the Recompense? For that is the one who drives away the orphan. And does not encourage the feeding of the poor. So woe to those who pray. [But] who are heedless of their prayer - Those who make show [of their deeds]. And withhold [simple] assistance.

These verses condemn those who turn away from the needy and fail to provide assistance. They highlight the importance of not only performing acts of worship but also actively helping those in need. By safeguarding our magnanimity and not depriving the beggar, we align ourselves with the teachings of the Quran and fulfill our duty as Muslims.

Imam Ali's (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) advice carries profound implications for our personal growth and spiritual development. By helping those who ask for assistance, we cultivate compassion, empathy, and selflessness within ourselves. We learn to prioritize the needs of others and recognize the inherent dignity and worth of every human being.

Moreover, not turning away the beggar allows us to contribute to the betterment of society. It fosters a sense of unity, solidarity, and social justice. When we extend our generosity to those in need, we contribute to the establishment of a just and equitable society, as envisioned by Islam.

In conclusion, the Hadith of Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) serves as a powerful reminder of our responsibility as Muslims to help those in need and safeguard our magnanimity. By not turning away the beggar, we align ourselves with the teachings of the Quran and embody the virtues of compassion, empathy, and selflessness. Let us strive to implement this noble teaching in our lives and contribute to the betterment of our communities, seeking Allah's pleasure and blessings.