Nahj al-Balagha Hadith n. 427

Selections from The Sayings and Preaching of Amir al-Muminin Ali ibn Abi Talib (Peace Be Upon Him) Including His Replies to Questions and Maxims Expressed for Various Purposes.
Translated by Sayyid Ali Reza

وَقَالَ (عليه ‏السلام):

Amir al-mu'minin, peace be upon him, said:

مَنْ شَكَا الْحَاجَةَ إِلَى مُؤْمِنٍ

Whoever complains about a need to a believer,

فَكَأَنَّمَا شَكَاهَا إِلَى اللهِ،

it is as though he has complained about it to Allah;

وَمَنْ شَكَاهَا إلَى كَافِرٍ

but whoever complains about it to an unbeliever

فَكَأَنَّمَا شَكَا اللهَ.

it is as though he complained about Allah.