Wisdom 14
Imam Ali (A.S.) said:
“Whoever is neglected by those closest to him will find support from those who are more distant.”
Keywords
Neglected (ضَيَّعَ): To abandon, neglect, forsake, or fail to care for someone.
Granted (أُتِيحَ): To be provided with, made available, facilitated, or granted an opportunity.
Summary of Wisdom 14
In this noble saying, Imam Ali (A.S.) consoles those who suffer from the neglect or lack of compassion of their relatives. He encourages them not to lose hope in Allah’s mercy, reminding them that when close family members fail to support them, Allah often opens another door by sending sincere and caring people from unexpected places.
Commentary
1. Allah Opens New Doors Through Unexpected Means
One understanding of this wisdom is that Allah has established appropriate means for every matter. Naturally, relatives are expected to be the first to help solve problems, provide support, and care for one another. However, when they neglect this responsibility, Allah prepares other people—even strangers—to provide the assistance and opportunities that are needed.
A clear example is found in the life of the Prophet Muhammad (PBUH & His Family). His own tribe rejected him, persecuted him, forced him to leave his homeland, imposed economic sanctions upon him, and tried to prevent the spread of Islam by every possible means.
Yet Allah supported His Messenger through the people of Aws and Khazraj in Madinah, who had no family relationship with him. Through their support, Islam expanded, and eventually the Prophet (PBUH) returned triumphantly to Makkah, raising the banner of monotheism over the Ka’bah.
This teaches us that whoever places complete trust in Allah will receive His help through ways that could never have been anticipated.
“And whoever relies upon Allah—then He is sufficient for him.” (Qur’an 65:3)
2. Neglecting Our Own People Benefits Others
Another meaning of this wisdom is that when relatives fail to appreciate, support, and benefit from one another’s abilities, outsiders—even enemies—may attract those neglected individuals with kindness and opportunities, ultimately benefiting from their talents and services.
Practical Lessons
- If a society neglects the talents, ideas, and abilities of its young people and fails to believe in their potential, other nations or communities will benefit from those talents instead. One of the essential responsibilities of an Islamic society is therefore to identify gifted individuals, nurture them, support their development, and employ their abilities for the benefit of their own community.
- Relatives deserve priority in receiving support and assistance. The Holy Qur’an emphasizes this principle:
“They ask you what they should spend. Say: Whatever good you spend should be for parents, close relatives, orphans, the needy, and the stranded traveler. Whatever good you do, Allah is fully aware of it.” (Qur’an 2:215)
Self-Assessment
- What happens to a person who is abandoned and neglected by their family and relatives?
- According to this wisdom, what is one of the important responsibilities of an Islamic society toward talented and gifted individuals?
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