Hadith #9357

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 Arabic Hadith of Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) states,

اللَّئِيمُ إذَا احْتاجَ إلَيْكَ أجفاكَ، وإذَا احْتَجْتَ إلَيْهِ عَنّاكَ۔

This Hadith highlights the behavior of a vile person who, when in need of your assistance, puts you in difficulty, but when you are in need of their help, they torment you.

To understand the significance of this Hadith, let us delve into the key words and concepts it presents. The term "اللَّئِيمُ" refers to a person who is vile, wicked, and morally corrupt. This individual lacks integrity and exhibits harmful behavior towards others. The word "إذَا" indicates the occurrence of a specific event or situation, emphasizing that this behavior is not constant but arises in certain circumstances. "احْتاجَ" means to be in need or to require assistance, while "أجفاكَ" signifies putting someone in difficulty or causing them hardship. On the other hand, "احْتَجْتَ" refers to being in need of someone's help, and "عَنّاكَ" denotes tormenting or causing pain to the person seeking assistance.

To shed light on the significance of this Hadith, we can turn to the Quran for guidance. Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) says in Surah Al-Baqarah (2:204),

And of the people is he whose speech pleases you in worldly life, and he calls Allah to witness as to what is in his heart, yet he is the fiercest of opponents.

This verse highlights the deceptive nature of some individuals who may appear righteous and trustworthy but, in reality, harbor ill intentions and act as adversaries when the need arises.

Furthermore, in Surah Al-Ma'idah (5:2), Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) warns against those who break their promises and betray the trust of others, stating,

And do not violate the oaths after their confirmation while you have made Allah a witness over them. Indeed, Allah knows what you do.

This verse emphasizes the importance of fulfilling commitments and maintaining trustworthiness, qualities that are lacking in the vile person described in the Hadith.

Imam Ali's (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) Hadith serves as a reminder for Muslims to be cautious when dealing with individuals who exhibit such vile behavior. It urges us to be discerning and not to rely on those who may only seek our assistance for their own benefit, while abandoning us in times of need. This Hadith teaches us the importance of surrounding ourselves with trustworthy and sincere individuals who will stand by us during challenging times.

Reflecting on this Hadith, we can draw parallels to various aspects of our lives. In personal relationships, it reminds us to be mindful of those who only approach us when they need something, but are absent when we require their support. In professional settings, it highlights the importance of identifying colleagues or partners who may exploit our skills and resources without reciprocating when we are in need.

Moreover, this Hadith also serves as a reminder of the qualities possessed by Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) himself. Known for his unparalleled knowledge and wisdom, Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) was a beacon of guidance for Muslims. His teachings and actions exemplified the highest moral standards, and he consistently demonstrated his willingness to assist others without expecting anything in return. Thus, this Hadith not only warns us against the behavior of vile individuals but also highlights the noble character of Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ).

In conclusion, the Hadith of Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) serves as a profound reminder for Muslims to be cautious when dealing with individuals who exhibit vile behavior. It warns against relying on those who only seek our assistance when they are in need, but abandon us when we require their support. By reflecting on this Hadith and seeking guidance from the Quran, we can strive to surround ourselves with trustworthy and sincere individuals, while emulating the noble character of Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) in our own lives. May Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) grant us the wisdom to discern the true intentions of others and guide us on the path of righteousness.