Conceal your blessings

[Bint e Aisha]

CONCEAL YOUR BLESSINGS

Question

I heard this saying attributed to Nabi (sallahu ‘alayhi wasallam) at a gathering and was wondering if you could comment on its authenticity and explain its meaning:

استعينوا على قضاء حوائجكم بالكتمان فإن كل ذي نعمة محسود

 

Answer

These words have been reported as a Hadith by several Sahabah (radiyallahu’anhum) with chains that vary in their levels of weakness.

(Refer: Al-Maqasidul Hasanah, Hadith: 103, Takhrijul Kash-shaf of Zayla’i, vol.2 pg.360 and Sharhul Ihya, vol.8 pg.54.)

 

However, its broader meaning is supported by other texts. See here for these supports.

 

Translation

Take help in fulfilling your needs by concealing them. For indeed every favoured person is envied.

 

The explanation of this is that often one encounters people who may be jealous of one’s endeavours and initiatives. If one were to share his plans of achieving certain goals with people, one may find an envious person either becoming an obstacle or even affecting one with the evil eye. Therefore it is best for one to keep one’s plans/aspirations to one’s self and only to those who may assist and who do not become jealous.

(Also see Faydul Qadir, Hadith: 985 and At-Taysir, vol.1 pg.147)

 

 

And Allah Ta’ala Knows best,

 

Answered by: Moulana Muhammad Abasoomar

 

Checked by: Moulana Haroon Abasoomar