Hadith #10190

In the name of Allah, the Most Gracious, the Most Merciful. All praise is due 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 provided Hadith of Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) highlights an important aspect of relationships between men and women. Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) advises us not to burden women with our responsibilities and to strive for independence from them as much as possible. He explains that women often bring many obligations and may not fully appreciate the favors bestowed upon them.

To understand the deeper meaning of this Hadith, let us analyze some key words. The word "athqalakum" refers to burdens or heavy loads, indicating the physical and emotional responsibilities that men may place on women. "Istaghnoo anhunna" means to be independent from them, emphasizing the importance of self-reliance and not relying solely on women for support. "Yukthirna al-imtinan" means that women often demand more and more, and "yakfuruna al-ihsan" implies that they may not fully acknowledge or appreciate the favors and kindness shown to them.

To further understand the wisdom behind this advice, we can turn to the Quran for guidance. In Surah An-Nisa (4:34), Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) instructs men to be maintainers and protectors of women, but this does not mean burdening them with excessive responsibilities. It is important to strike a balance between fulfilling our duties towards women and allowing them to maintain their independence and dignity.

Furthermore, in Surah Al-Baqarah (2:187), Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) reminds us that women have rights similar to those against them, and they should be treated with kindness and fairness. This verse emphasizes the importance of mutual respect and understanding in relationships.

Imam Ali's (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) advice is not meant to undermine the role of women or diminish their worth. Rather, it serves as a reminder for men to be mindful of their responsibilities and to avoid burdening women with excessive demands. It encourages men to be self-sufficient and not overly reliant on women for their needs.

By following this advice, men can foster healthier and more balanced relationships with women. They can avoid placing undue pressure on women and instead strive for mutual support and understanding. This approach can lead to greater harmony and happiness within marriages and other relationships.

In conclusion, the Hadith of Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) reminds us of the importance of maintaining balance and independence in relationships with women. It urges men to be mindful of their responsibilities and not to burden women with excessive obligations. By following this advice, we can foster healthier and more harmonious relationships based on mutual respect and understanding. May Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) guide us all in our interactions with one another and grant us success in our relationships.