The Prophet’s ﷺ statement “I am no less in need of reward than you” conveys an important lesson: a person does not become independent of the reward for good deeds merely by being a leader or someone respected. Participating in legitimate effort may itself be meritorious.
Three situations should be distinguished:
1. A person willingly yields convenience to help a companion.
2. Someone accepts needed help for a genuine reason.
3. Someone unnecessarily transfers all hardship to others because of rank.
The account particularly contrasts with the third attitude. It does not mean that accepting assistance is always wrong.