Hadith #1822

In the name of Allah, the Most Gracious, the Most Merciful. Praise be to Allah, the Lord of all worlds. May peace and blessings be upon our beloved Prophet Muhammad (ﷺ), his pure progeny, and his noble companions.

The Hadith of Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) states,

Keeping oneself hungry is the most beneficial cure, whereas eating to one’s fill increases maladies.

This thought-provoking saying highlights the importance of moderation in our eating habits and the detrimental effects of overindulgence.

Let us delve into the key words of this Hadith to gain a deeper understanding. The word (tajawwu') "تَجَوُّعُ" refers to the act of keeping oneself hungry or experiencing hunger. It signifies a state of controlled deprivation, where one refrains from excessive consumption. On the other hand, (shibau') "شِبَعُ" refers to eating to one's fill or satiety, indicating a state of excessive indulgence.

To comprehend the wisdom behind this Hadith, we turn to the Quran, where Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) emphasizes the importance of moderation in various aspects of life. In Surah Al-A'raf (7:31), Allah warns against excessiveness in eating and drinking, saying,

O children of Adam, take your adornment at every masjid, and eat and drink, but be not excessive. Indeed, He likes not those who commit excess.

Furthermore, in Surah Al-A'raf (7:32), Allah highlights the consequences of indulging in excess, stating,

Say, 'Who has forbidden the adornment of Allah which He has produced for His servants and the good [lawful] things of provision?' Say, 'They are for those who believe during the worldly life [but] exclusively for them on the Day of Resurrection.' Thus do We detail the verses for a people who know.

Imam Ali's (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) statement serves as a reminder to Muslims that moderation in our eating habits is not only beneficial for our physical health but also for our spiritual well-being. By keeping ourselves hungry to a certain extent, we can experience the numerous benefits of fasting, such as increased self-discipline, empathy for the less fortunate, and purification of the soul.

Moreover, the Hadith emphasizes that overindulgence in food can lead to various ailments. This aligns with the Quranic teachings that warn against excessive consumption. In Surah Al-Isra (17:29), Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) states,

And do not make your hand [as] chained to your neck or extend it completely and [thereby] become blamed and insolvent.

By overeating, we risk becoming slaves to our desires and neglecting our responsibilities. Excessive consumption can lead to physical ailments such as obesity, heart disease, and diabetes, as well as spiritual ailments such as greed, laziness, and a lack of self-control.

Imam Ali's (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) impactful saying serves as a reminder to Muslims to adopt a balanced approach to food consumption. By practicing self-restraint and moderation, we can maintain good health, both physically and spiritually. We should strive to eat enough to sustain ourselves and fulfill our obligations, without falling into the trap of excessive indulgence.

In conclusion, the Hadith of Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) teaches us the importance of moderation in our eating habits. By keeping ourselves hungry to a certain extent and refraining from overindulgence, we can experience the benefits of fasting and avoid the detrimental effects of excessive consumption. May Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) grant us the wisdom and self-discipline to follow the teachings of the Quran and the Ahl al-Bayt (عَلَيْهِمُ ٱلسَّلَامُ).