Hadith #4824

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 righteous companions.

The Arabic Hadith of Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) states, "كَفَى بِالتَّبْذِيرِ سَرَفًا" which translates to

Wastefulness is enough of an extravagance.

This concise statement holds deep wisdom and guidance for Muslims in managing their resources and avoiding excessive consumption.

To understand the significance of this Hadith, let us delve into the meanings of the key words. (tabdheer) "تَبْذِير" refers to the act of wastefulness or extravagance, which involves excessive spending or using resources without necessity. It implies a lack of moderation and mindfulness in utilizing what Allah has bestowed upon us. (sarafan) "سَرَفًا" means extravagance or excessiveness, indicating going beyond what is essential or reasonable.

The Quran emphasizes the importance of moderation and avoiding wastefulness in numerous verses. Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) says in Surah Al-A'raf (7:31),

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.

This verse highlights the need for balance in our lives, reminding us that while we are allowed to enjoy the blessings of this world, we should not indulge in extravagance.

Furthermore, in Surah Al-Isra (17:29), Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) warns against squandering wealth, saying,

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

This verse cautions us against both miserliness and wastefulness, urging us to adopt a middle path in managing our resources.

Imam Ali's (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) Hadith echoes these Quranic teachings, emphasizing the harmful consequences of wastefulness. It serves as a reminder to Muslims of the importance of being mindful and responsible in our consumption patterns. Wastefulness not only depletes our resources but also leads to societal imbalances, as wealth is concentrated in the hands of a few while others suffer from poverty and deprivation.

By practicing moderation and avoiding extravagance, we can ensure the equitable distribution of resources and contribute to the well-being of society. This Hadith encourages Muslims to adopt a conscientious approach towards their wealth and possessions, using them wisely and in accordance with the teachings of Islam.

Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) was known for his profound knowledge and wisdom. His statement on wastefulness reflects his deep understanding of the Quranic principles and his commitment to upholding them in his own life. As Muslims, we should strive to follow his example and implement his teachings in our daily lives.

In conclusion, the Hadith of Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) serves as a powerful reminder for Muslims to avoid wastefulness and extravagance. It aligns with the Quranic teachings on moderation and responsible resource management. By practicing mindfulness in our consumption patterns, we can contribute to a more equitable and sustainable society. May Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) grant us the wisdom to follow these teachings and protect us from the pitfalls of wastefulness.