Hadith #9694

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,

Concealing [one’s] poverty and sickness is part of magnanimity.

This Hadith emphasizes the virtue of hiding one's poverty and illness, which is a characteristic of a noble and generous person. Let us delve deeper into the meaning of this Hadith in light of the Quran.

The word (ikhfa) "إخْفاءُ" means to conceal or hide. It implies not revealing or making known something that one possesses or experiences. In this context, it refers to concealing one's poverty and sickness. The word (al-faqa) "الفاقَةِ" means poverty, while (al-amradh) "الأمْراضِ" refers to sickness or illness. These words highlight two aspects of human vulnerability - financial and physical.

The Quran encourages Muslims to be charitable and help those in need. However, there is also a virtue in concealing one's poverty. Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) says in Surah Al-Baqarah (2:273),

Charity is for the poor who have been restricted for the cause of Allah, unable to move about in the land. An ignorant [person] would think them self-sufficient because of their restraint, but you will know them by their [characteristic] sign. They do not ask people persistently [or at all].

This verse highlights the dignity and self-respect of the poor who do not openly ask for help, even though they may be in need.

Similarly, concealing one's sickness is also commendable. In Surah Al-Baqarah (2:195), Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) says,

And spend in the way of Allah and do not throw [yourselves] with your [own] hands into destruction [by refraining]. And do good; indeed, Allah loves the doers of good.

This verse encourages Muslims to spend in the way of Allah, but it also advises them not to harm themselves in the process. Concealing one's sickness can be seen as a way of protecting oneself and not burdening others with one's own problems.

Imam Ali's (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) Hadith teaches us the importance of maintaining dignity and self-respect, even in times of hardship. It reminds us that true magnanimity lies in concealing our vulnerabilities rather than seeking attention or sympathy from others. By doing so, we demonstrate strength and resilience, and we avoid becoming a burden on society.

Concealing poverty and sickness is not about denying or ignoring these challenges. It is about managing them with grace and wisdom. It is about finding ways to overcome these difficulties without compromising our self-esteem. It is about relying on Allah's help and seeking His guidance in times of need.

Furthermore, this Hadith also highlights the importance of empathy and compassion within the Muslim community. If we are aware of someone's struggles, it is our duty to support and assist them without causing them further distress. The Quran reminds us in Surah Al-Hujurat (49:11),

O you who have believed, let not a people ridicule [another] people; perhaps they may be better than them; nor let women ridicule [other] women; perhaps they may be better than them. And do not insult one another and do not call each other by [offensive] nicknames.

This verse emphasizes the need for kindness, respect, and understanding towards one another, regardless of our circumstances.

In conclusion, the Hadith of Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) teaches us the virtue of concealing our poverty and sickness. It encourages us to maintain our dignity and self-respect, even in times of hardship. By doing so, we demonstrate strength, resilience, and reliance on Allah. This Hadith also reminds us of the importance of empathy and compassion within the Muslim community. May Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) grant us the wisdom and strength to embody these teachings in our lives.