Hadith #2554

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, and his noble companions.

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

يَحْتاجُ ذُوالنّائِلِ إلَى السّائِلِ۔

This Hadith can be translated into English as,

The charitable one needs the beggar.

Let us delve into the meaning of the important words in this Hadith. The word (yah'taju) "يَحْتاجُ" means "needs" or "requires." It signifies a dependency or reliance on something or someone. (dhū al-nā'il) "ذُوالنّائِلِ" refers to the one who possesses wealth or resources, while (al-sā'il) "السّائِلِ" refers to the beggar or the one in need.

To understand the wise message of this Hadith, we can turn to the Quran for guidance. Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) repeatedly emphasizes the importance of charity and helping those in need. In Surah Al-Baqarah, verse 177, Allah says, (Quran 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.

This verse highlights the significance of giving wealth to those in need, which aligns perfectly with the message of Imam Ali's Hadith. The charitable one, who possesses wealth or resources, is in need of the beggar or the one in need. This need is not just material, but also spiritual and moral. By giving charity, the charitable one fulfills their duty as a believer and strengthens their relationship with Allah.

Furthermore, in Surah Al-Insan, Allah describes the qualities of the righteous believers, saying, (Quran 76:8-9)

And they give food in spite of love for it to the needy, the orphan, and the captive, [Saying], 'We feed you only for the countenance of Allah. We wish not from you reward or gratitude.'

This verse emphasizes the selflessness and sincerity of those who give charity. They provide sustenance to the needy solely for the sake of Allah, without expecting any reward or gratitude. This selflessness is a reflection of the teachings of Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ), who was known for his generosity and compassion towards the less fortunate.

Imam Ali's Hadith reminds us that charity is not just an act of kindness, but a fundamental aspect of our faith. It teaches us that the one who possesses wealth or resources is in need of the beggar or the one in need, as giving charity purifies the soul, increases blessings, and strengthens the bond between the giver and Allah.

This Hadith also highlights the importance of empathy and compassion in our interactions with others. It encourages us to recognize the needs of those around us and to extend a helping hand. By doing so, we not only fulfill our duty as Muslims but also contribute to the betterment of society as a whole.

In conclusion, the Hadith of Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ)

The charitable one needs the beggar

serves as a reminder of the significance of charity and helping those in need. It urges us to be selfless, empathetic, and compassionate, following the teachings of the Quran and the noble example of Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ). May Allah guide us all to be charitable and may He bless us with the ability to fulfill the needs of those less fortunate.