Hadith #10962

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 purified progeny, and his noble companions.

The provided Hadith of Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) emphasizes the importance of maintaining good relations with those who sever ties with us, giving to those who ask, and initiating acts of kindness towards those who do not ask. Let us delve into the deeper meanings of this profound Hadith in light of the Quran.

The first part of the Hadith states,

Establish ties with the one who cuts you off.

Here, the word (قَطَعَكَ) "qata'aka" refers to someone who severs or cuts off relations. Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) advises us to maintain ties with such individuals, despite their actions. This teaching aligns with the Quranic principle of maintaining family ties and fostering unity within the community. Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) says in Surah An-Nisa (4:1),

And fear Allah through whom you ask one another, and the wombs. Indeed, Allah is ever, over you, an Observer.

Furthermore, Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) emphasizes the importance of maintaining good relations with kin in Surah Al-Isra (17:23-24),

And your Lord has decreed that you not worship except Him, and to parents, good treatment. Whether one or both of them reach old age [while] with you, say not to them [so much as], 'uff,' and do not repel them but speak to them a noble word. And lower to them the wing of humility out of mercy and say, 'My Lord, have mercy upon them as they brought me up [when I was] small.'

The second part of the Hadith states,

Give to the one who asks you.

The word (سَأَلَكَ) "sa'alaka" refers to someone who asks for something. Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) advises us to be generous and give to those who seek our assistance. This teaching aligns with the Quranic principle of charity and helping those in need. Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) says in Surah Al-Baqarah (2:267),

O you who have believed, spend from the good things which you have earned and from that which We have produced for you from the earth. And do not aim toward the defective therefrom, spending [from that] while you would not take it [yourself] except with closed eyes. And know that Allah is Free of need and Praiseworthy.

The third part of the Hadith states,

Initiate in giving to the one who does not ask from you.

The phrase (سَكَتَ عَنْ مَسْأَلَتِكَ) "sakata 'an mas'alatika" refers to someone who remains silent and does not ask for help. Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) advises us to proactively initiate acts of kindness towards such individuals. This teaching aligns with the Quranic principle of selflessness and going beyond what is expected. Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) says in Surah Al-Hashr (59:9),

And [also for] those who were settled in al-Madinah and [adopted] the faith before them. They love those who emigrated to them and find not any want in their breasts of what the emigrants were given but give [them] preference over themselves, even though they are in privation. And whoever is protected from the stinginess of his soul - it is those who will be the successful.

Reflecting on this Hadith, we can understand that Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) is teaching us to rise above our ego and respond to others with kindness and generosity, regardless of their actions or requests. By establishing ties with those who cut us off, giving to those who ask, and initiating acts of kindness towards those who do not ask, we embody the values of compassion, forgiveness, and selflessness.

In conclusion, this Hadith of Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) serves as a reminder for Muslims to uphold the principles of maintaining family ties, practicing charity, and going beyond what is expected in our interactions with others. By following the teachings of the Quran and the guidance of the Ahl al-Bayt, we can strive to be better individuals and contribute to the betterment of our communities. May Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) grant us the ability to implement these teachings in our lives.