A man who was a slave came to the Commander of the Believers, ‘Ali ibn Abi Tālib (may Allah be pleased with him). He had entered into a contract with his master to buy himself and become free but did not have the money to fulfill the agreement. He said: Indeed, I have been unable to pay off what I owe, so help me settle it—either with money or by teaching and instruction. The Commander of the Believers said to him: Shall I not teach you words that the Messenger of Allah (may Allah's peace and blessings be upon him) taught me? Even if you had a debt as great as a mountain called Sīr, which belonged to the Tribe of Tayyi’, it would be repaid by Allah on your behalf, freeing you from its humiliation. He said: Say: (O Allah, suffice me), turn me away, and keep me distant (with what You have made lawful) so that I am content with it (against) falling into (what You have made unlawful). (And make me) and provide for me (with Your bounty) and generosity (in no need of anyone besides You) from among Your creation.
- Consulting and seeking the opinion of the people of knowledge and religion.
- It is incumbent upon scholars and callers to Allah to guide and direct those they invite to solutions that help them address the problems they face.
- Encouraging the act of helping the Mukātab slave.
- Encouraging learning this supplication and asking Allah with it.
- Lawful sustenance, even if small, is better than unlawful wealth, even if abundant.
- Reliance upon Allah without dependence on the creation.
- Encouraging a kind response to the requester if you have nothing to give him.
سنن الترمذي (5/ 526) (3563). بهجة الناظرين شرح رياض الصالحين، لسليم الهلالي (2/ 565). نزهة المتقين شرح رياض الصالحين، لمجموعة من الباحثين (2/ 1013). كنوز رياض الصالحين، لمجموعة من الباحثين (17/ 456). فيض القدير شرح الجامع الصغير، للمناوي (3/ 111). النهاية في غريب الحديث والأثر (3/ 9).