Hadith #11433

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 Ahl al-Bayt (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ), and his noble companions.

The Hadith of Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) emphasizes the importance of three noble qualities: being good to orphans, helping the poor, and showing kindness to the weak. Let us delve into the profound meanings of these words and explore their significance in light of the Quran.

Firstly, let us reflect on the word (بَرُّوا) "barroo", which means "be good to" or "be kind to." This word implies going above and beyond mere obligations and treating others with utmost care, compassion, and love. It encompasses providing emotional support, guidance, and nurturing to those who have lost their parents and are in need of guidance and protection.

Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) commands us in the Quran to be good to orphans, as mentioned in Surah Al-Baqarah, verse 83:

And [recall] when We took the covenant from the Children of Israel, [enjoining upon them], 'Do not worship except Allah; and to parents do good and to relatives, orphans, and the needy. And speak to people good [words] and establish prayer and give zakah.' Then you turned away, except a few of you, and you were refusing.

This verse highlights the importance of fulfilling the rights of orphans and treating them with kindness and compassion.

Secondly, the Hadith urges us to (واسَوْا) "wasaw" our poor folk, which means to help and support them in times of need. It emphasizes the obligation to alleviate the suffering of those who are less fortunate and to provide them with the necessary means to live a dignified life.

The Quran repeatedly emphasizes the importance of helping the poor and needy. In Surah Al-Baqarah, verse 177, Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) says,

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 to those in need and sacrificing our wealth for their well-being.

Lastly, the Hadith emphasizes the importance of showing kindness and compassion to the weak amongst us. The word (ارْفُقُوا) "arfuqu" used in the Hadith means to be gentle, tender, and considerate towards those who are physically or emotionally vulnerable. It calls upon us to be understanding and supportive of those who may be facing challenges or difficulties in their lives.

In the Quran, Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) reminds us of the importance of kindness and compassion towards the weak. In Surah An-Nisa, verse 36, Allah says,

And worship Allah and associate nothing with Him, and to parents do good, and to relatives, orphans, the needy, the near neighbor, the neighbor farther away, the companion at your side, the traveler, and those whom your right hands possess. Indeed, Allah does not like those who are self-deluding and boastful.

This verse emphasizes the need to extend our kindness and support to those who are vulnerable and in need of our assistance.

Imam Ali's (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) Hadith serves as a reminder for all Muslims to embody these qualities in their daily lives. By being good to orphans, helping the poor, and showing kindness to the weak, we fulfill our duty as believers and contribute to the betterment of society. These actions not only bring immediate relief to those in need but also have long-lasting effects on their well-being, fostering a sense of belonging, love, and compassion within our communities.

Let us strive to implement these teachings in our lives and follow the example set by Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ), who was known for his profound knowledge and understanding of Islam. May Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) bless us with the ability to be good to orphans, help the poor, and show kindness to the weak, and may He reward us abundantly for our efforts.