Hadith #4648

In the name of Allah, the Most Gracious, the Most Merciful. Praise be to Allah, the Lord of all worlds. Blessings and peace 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, "لا ذُلَّ كَالطَّلَبِ۔" This can be translated as,

There is no humiliation like asking [for something from others].

Let us delve into the meaning of this Hadith in light of the Quran.

The word (dhull) "ذُلَّ" in this Hadith refers to humiliation, degradation, or abasement. It implies a loss of dignity and self-respect. On the other hand, the word (talab) "طَلَبِ" means to ask, request, or seek something from others. It signifies a state of dependency and neediness.

To understand the significance of this Hadith, we can turn to the Quran for guidance. In Surah Al-Baqarah, Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) says, (Quran 2:186)

And when My servants ask you concerning Me, indeed I am near. I respond to the invocation of the supplicant when he calls upon Me.

This verse highlights the importance of supplicating to Allah alone and seeking His help and guidance. It emphasizes the honor and dignity in turning to Allah in times of need, rather than relying on others.

Furthermore, in Surah Al-Fatiha, we recite the verse, (Quran 1:5)

You alone we worship, and You alone we ask for help.

This verse teaches us that true worship and seeking assistance should be directed solely towards Allah. It reminds us that relying on others for our needs can lead to a sense of humiliation and dependency.

Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ), known for his immense knowledge and wisdom, highlights the importance of self-sufficiency and independence in this Hadith. He reminds us that constantly asking for favors or material assistance from others can diminish our self-esteem and dignity. It is not a reflection of weakness, but rather a call to rely on our own abilities and resources, while seeking guidance and help from Allah.

This Hadith encourages Muslims to strive for self-reliance and to develop their skills and capabilities. It teaches us to work hard, be resourceful, and seek opportunities for personal growth and development. By doing so, we can avoid the potential humiliation that comes with constantly relying on others for our needs.

However, it is important to note that this Hadith does not discourage seeking help or support from others when necessary. Islam promotes a sense of community and encourages Muslims to assist one another in times of need. The emphasis here is on avoiding a state of constant dependency and seeking self-sufficiency whenever possible.

In conclusion, the Hadith of Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) reminds us of the importance of self-reliance and independence. It encourages Muslims to strive for personal growth and development, while seeking guidance and help from Allah. By relying on our own abilities and resources, we can maintain our dignity and self-respect, avoiding the potential humiliation that comes with constantly asking for assistance from others. May Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) grant us the strength and wisdom to embody these teachings in our lives.