Hadith #8446

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 Hadith of Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) states,

Verily poverty is disgracer for the soul, a confounder of the intellect, and a bringer of sorrows.

This wise utterance highlights the negative impact of poverty on an individual's spiritual, intellectual, and emotional well-being.

Let us delve deeper into the words used in this Hadith to gain a better understanding. The Arabic word "mizallat" is translated as "disgracer" or "humiliator." It refers to the state of being humiliated or degraded. "Mudhahsha" is translated as "confounder" and signifies the confusion and perplexity that poverty brings to one's mind. Lastly, "jalib" means "bringer" and emphasizes how poverty attracts and causes sorrows to befall upon an individual.

To comprehend the significance of this Hadith, we can turn to the Quran for guidance. Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) says in Surah An-Nahl (16:46),

Or that Allah may catch them in the midst of their going to and fro (in their jobs), so that there be no escape for them (from Allah's punishment)?

This verse highlights the consequences of poverty, where individuals are caught in a cycle of struggle and hardship, with no apparent means of escape. Poverty can lead to a sense of hopelessness and despair, affecting one's self-esteem and dignity. It is a state that can strip away a person's sense of worth and leave them feeling humiliated.

Furthermore, poverty can confound the intellect and cloud one's judgment. In Surah Al-Hajj (22:5), Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) says,

O mankind, if you are in doubt about the Resurrection, then indeed, We created you from dust, then from a sperm-drop, then from a clinging clot, and then from a lump of flesh, formed and unformed - that We may show you. And We settle in the wombs whom We will for a specified term, then We bring you out as infants, then [We develop you] that you may reach your [time of] maturity.

This verse reminds us of the miraculous creation of human beings and the wisdom behind it. Poverty can cloud our understanding of this divine wisdom and lead to confusion and doubt. It can hinder our ability to think clearly and make rational decisions, as the constant struggle for survival consumes our thoughts and energy.

Moreover, poverty brings about sorrows and hardships. In Surah Al-Anbiya (21:35), Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) says,

Every soul will taste death. And We test you with evil and with good as trial; and to Us, you will be returned.

This verse reminds us of the temporary nature of this worldly life and the tests and trials that we will face. Poverty can be a source of immense sorrow and distress, as it limits one's access to basic necessities and opportunities. It can lead to feelings of helplessness and sadness, affecting one's mental and emotional well-being.

Imam Ali's (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) beautiful Hadith serves as a reminder to Muslims of the detrimental effects of poverty on the individual and society as a whole. It highlights the importance of addressing poverty and working towards social justice, ensuring that every individual has access to their basic needs and opportunities for growth and development.

As Muslims, we are encouraged to support charitable causes, alleviate the suffering of those in need, and work towards creating a just and equitable society. By doing so, we can help uplift individuals from the shackles of poverty, restore their dignity, and enable them to reach their full potential.

May Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) guide us in our efforts to combat poverty and grant us the ability to make a positive difference in the lives of those less fortunate. May He bless us with compassion, empathy, and the means to alleviate the suffering of our fellow human beings.