Hadith #2140

In the name of Allah, the Most Gracious, the Most Merciful. Praise be to Allah, the Lord of all the worlds. May 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) emphasizes the importance of not disappointing or frustrating those who are in need, even if they persistently ask for more. This Hadith serves as a reminder for Muslims to be compassionate, generous, and understanding towards those who are less fortunate.

Let us delve into the deeper meaning of this Hadith by examining the key words and their significance. The word (tukhayyibi) "تُخَيِّبِ" means to disappoint, frustrate, or let down. Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) advises us not to cause disappointment to the (muhtaj) "مُحْتاج", which refers to someone who is in need or dependent on others for their sustenance.

To understand the profound wisdom behind this Hadith, we can turn to the Quran for guidance. Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) repeatedly emphasizes the importance of helping those in need and fulfilling their rights. In Surah Al-Baqarah, Allah says, (Quran 76:8)

And they give food in spite of love for it to the needy, the orphan, and the captive

This verse highlights the significance of providing for the needy, even if it requires sacrificing something we hold dear.

Furthermore, in Surah Al-Isra, Allah states, (Quran 17:29)

And do not make your hand [as] chained to your neck or extend it completely and [thereby] become blamed and insolvent

This verse encourages Muslims to be moderate in their generosity, neither withholding assistance nor giving in excess to the point of becoming insolvent. It reminds us to strike a balance between fulfilling the needs of others and maintaining our own financial stability.

Imam Ali's (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) advice in this Hadith aligns perfectly with the teachings of the Quran. By urging us not to frustrate the needy, he emphasizes the importance of fulfilling their legitimate requests to the best of our abilities. This Hadith encourages us to be compassionate and empathetic towards those who are less fortunate, recognizing that their persistent requests may stem from genuine need and desperation.

Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) possessed immense knowledge and wisdom, which he gained through his close association with the Prophet Muhammad (ﷺ) and his deep understanding of the Quran. His words in this Hadith reflect his profound insight into human nature and the importance of maintaining the dignity of the needy.

When we apply the teachings of this Hadith in our lives, we can witness its positive impact. By fulfilling the needs of the needy, we not only alleviate their suffering but also contribute to the betterment of society as a whole. Our generosity and compassion can inspire others to follow suit, creating a ripple effect of kindness and empathy.

In conclusion, the Hadith of Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) serves as a reminder for Muslims to be considerate and compassionate towards those in need. It urges us to fulfill their legitimate requests and avoid causing disappointment or frustration. By aligning our actions with the teachings of the Quran, we can strive to be a source of comfort and support for those who are less fortunate, thereby embodying the true spirit of Islam. May Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) guide us all to follow the noble example of Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) and fulfill the rights of the needy.