Hadith #281

In the name of Allah, the Most Gracious, the Most Merciful. All praise is due 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.

In this profound Hadith of Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ), he states,

The destitute is the Messenger of Allah. Whoever denies him denies Allah and whoever gives him gives Allah.

Let us delve into the deeper meaning of this Hadith and explore its significance in light of the Quran.

Firstly, let us examine the key words in this Hadith. The word (miskeen) "مِسْكِينَ" refers to someone who is in a state of extreme poverty and destitution. It encompasses those who lack basic necessities and are in dire need of assistance. The term (Rasulullah) "رَسُولُ اللهِ" refers to the Messenger of Allah, Prophet Muhammad (ﷺ), who was the ultimate embodiment of mercy, compassion, and guidance for all of humanity.

To understand the wise message of this Hadith, we must turn to the Quran for guidance. Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) repeatedly emphasizes the importance of caring for the poor and needy in numerous verses. For example, in Surah Al-Baqarah, Allah says, (2:177)

And they give food in spite of love for it to the needy, the orphan, and the captive, [Saying], 'We feed you only for the countenance of Allah. We wish not from you reward or gratitude'

This verse highlights the selflessness and sincerity with which Muslims are encouraged to help the destitute. It emphasizes that giving to the needy should be solely for the sake of Allah, without expecting any worldly reward or gratitude. By doing so, we are not only fulfilling our duty towards our fellow human beings but also seeking the pleasure of Allah.

Furthermore, in Surah Al-Insan, Allah describes the righteous believers as those who (76:8)

give food, for the love of Him, to the needy, the orphan, and the captive

This verse emphasizes the importance of giving to the needy out of love for Allah, recognizing that the act of charity is a means of drawing closer to Him and seeking His pleasure.

Now, let us reflect on the enlightening message of Imam Ali's (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) Hadith. By stating that

The destitute is the Messenger of Allah,

he highlights the significance of helping those in need as if we are directly serving and supporting the Messenger of Allah (ﷺ) himself. This serves as a reminder that the act of giving to the destitute is not merely a charitable deed but a means of connecting with the noble qualities and teachings of the Prophet (ﷺ).

Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) further emphasizes the consequences of denying or neglecting the destitute by stating,

Whoever denies him denies Allah and whoever gives him gives Allah.

This enlightening saying highlights the spiritual and moral implications of our actions towards the needy. Denying or neglecting the destitute is tantamount to denying Allah Himself, as it goes against the very essence of His teachings and commands.

On the other hand, giving to the destitute is not merely an act of charity but an act of giving to Allah. It is an opportunity to manifest our love and devotion to Him by extending a helping hand to those in need. By giving to the destitute, we are fulfilling our duty towards Allah and seeking His pleasure.

The consequences of our actions towards the destitute are not limited to this world alone. In the Quran, Allah promises immense rewards for those who give to the needy. In Surah Al-Hadid, Allah says, (57:18)

Indeed, the men who practice charity and the women who practice charity and [they who] have loaned Allah a goodly loan - it will be multiplied for them, and they will have a noble reward

This verse highlights the multiplied rewards and noble recompense that awaits those who give to the destitute. It serves as a motivation for Muslims to be generous and compassionate towards those in need, knowing that their acts of charity will be greatly rewarded by Allah.

In conclusion, Imam Ali's (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) Hadith serves as a profound reminder of the importance of caring for the destitute. It emphasizes that the act of giving to the needy is not merely a charitable deed but a means of connecting with the noble qualities of the Prophet (ﷺ) and seeking the pleasure of Allah. By denying or neglecting the destitute, we are denying Allah Himself, while giving to them is akin to giving to Allah. Let us strive to embody the teachings of this Hadith and fulfill our duty towards the destitute, knowing that our acts of charity will be greatly rewarded by Allah in this world and the hereafter.