As human beings, we all possess dignity and self -respect, and always work hard to preserve our respect and status in society. As long as we does not ask anyone for anything and does not extend our hand towards any person in humiliation, our dignity remains intac., but once we make a request to someone, we give up our dignity.
As human beings, we all possess dignity and self -respect, and always work hard to preserve our respect and status in society. As long as we does not ask anyone for anything and does not extend our hand towards any person in humiliation, our dignity remains intact, but once we make a request to someone, we give up our dignity.
As Imam Ali (pbuh) says:
your dignity is like frozen water that is melted by asking, so consider in whose presence you are melting it.[1]
In another tradition,Imam Ali (pbuh) says:
If you do favour for someone, you will become his master! If you are not in need of someone, you will be at par with him! But if you are in need of someone, you will become his slave![2]
This rule powerfully governs the social relations of individuals and nations. Bountiful hands are always masters and begging hands are always slaves. The needy people and nations have effectively made themselves into slaves through looking to others to provide for their needs. But a true Muslim is one who attempts to base his relations with others on mutual, not one-sided, assistance.
Notes:
[1] ماءُ وَجْهِكَ جامِدٌ يُقْـطِرُهُ السُّؤالُ، فَـانْظُـرْ عِنْدَ مَنْ تُـقْـطِرُهُ. Nahj al-Balagha, saying 346.
[2] تَفَضَّلْ عَلَى مَنْ شِئْتَ تَكُنْ أَمِيَرهُ
وَاسْتَغْنِ عَمِّنْ شِئْتَ تَكُنْ نَظِيْرَهُ
وَافْتَقِرٌ إلى مَنْ شِئْتَ تَكُنْ أَسِيْرَهُ
Bihar al-Anwar, v. 70, p. 169.