Hadith #3043

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 highlights the importance of recognizing the needs of the people as a blessing from Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) and advises us to make the most of these opportunities without becoming weary of them. Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) warns that neglecting these needs can lead to divine wrath.

Let us delve into the deeper meaning of this hadith by examining the key words and concepts it contains. The word (hawa'ij) "حَوائِجَ" refers to the needs, desires, or requests of the people. These needs can encompass a wide range of aspects, such as physical, emotional, or spiritual needs. The word (ni'mah) "نِعْمَةٌ" means blessing or favor, indicating that these needs are a gift from Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) to the believers.

Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) emphasizes that these needs should be seen as opportunities to serve and help others, rather than burdens to be avoided or dismissed. By taking advantage of these opportunities, we can fulfill our duty as Muslims to assist and support our fellow human beings. This aligns with the teachings of the Quran, which repeatedly emphasizes the importance of helping those in need.

Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) says in Surah Al-Baqarah (2:177):

Righteousness is not that you turn your faces toward the east or the west, but [true] righteousness is [in] one who believes in Allah, the Last Day, the angels, the Book, and the prophets and gives wealth, in spite of love for it, to relatives, orphans, the needy, the traveler, those who ask [for help], and for freeing slaves.

This verse highlights the importance of giving wealth, time, and resources to those in need. It emphasizes that true righteousness lies in fulfilling the needs of others, rather than merely performing outward acts of worship. By recognizing the needs of the people as a blessing from Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ), we can fulfill this righteous duty and strive to attain His pleasure.

Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) warns us against becoming weary of these needs, as this can lead to divine wrath. This serves as a reminder that neglecting the needs of others can have serious consequences, both in this world and the hereafter. Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) warns in Surah Al-Ma'un (107:1-3):

Have you seen the one who denies the Recompense? For that is the one who drives away the orphan. And does not encourage the feeding of the poor.

These verses highlight the severity of neglecting the needs of the vulnerable members of society, such as orphans and the poor. By turning away from their needs, we risk incurring the wrath of Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ). Therefore, it is crucial for us as Muslims to actively seek out opportunities to fulfill the needs of others and to do so with sincerity and compassion.

Reflecting on this hadith, we can understand that the needs of the people are not burdens, but rather blessings from Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ). By recognizing and fulfilling these needs, we can embody the teachings of Islam and strive to attain the pleasure of Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ). Neglecting these needs, on the other hand, can lead to divine wrath and the loss of spiritual blessings. May Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) grant us the wisdom and strength to fulfill the needs of others and to be a source of blessings in their lives.