Hadith #961

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

The provided Hadith of Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) warns us about the negative consequences of excessive eating. Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ), known for his wisdom and knowledge, highlights the detrimental effects of overindulgence in food. Let us delve deeper into the meaning of this Hadith and explore its significance in light of the Quran.

The key words in this Hadith are (his eating) "أكْلُهُ" and (his health) "صِحَّتُهُ". The word "أكْلُهُ" refers to the act of eating excessively, beyond what is necessary for sustenance. This excessive eating leads to a decline in "صِحَّتُهُ," which means health. It implies that the person's well-being and physical condition are negatively affected due to overeating.

The Quran provides guidance on the importance of moderation in various aspects of life, including eating. 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 emphasizes the need for moderation in all aspects of life, including our eating habits. Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) dislikes those who indulge in excess, as it goes against the balance and harmony that Islam promotes. Excessive eating not only harms our physical health but also affects our spiritual well-being.

Another verse that supports the message of this Hadith is found in Surah Al-A'raf (7:32):

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.

This verse reminds us that Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) has provided us with lawful and permissible provisions for our sustenance. However, it is crucial to consume these provisions in moderation and not to exceed the limits set by Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ). Overindulgence in food goes against the teachings of Islam and can lead to detrimental consequences, as mentioned in the Hadith of Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ).

Excessive eating not only affects our physical health but also has financial implications. The Hadith states that

his expenses become heavy for him to bear.

When a person consumes more than what is necessary, they end up spending more on food, which can strain their financial resources. This excessive expenditure on food could have been utilized for more beneficial purposes, such as helping the needy or investing in one's future.

The Quran encourages us to be mindful of our spending and to avoid extravagance. In Surah Al-Isra (17:29), Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) says:

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

This verse advises us not to be miserly nor extravagant in our spending. Overeating can lead to financial burdens, as excessive food consumption incurs unnecessary expenses. By practicing moderation in our eating habits, we can maintain a healthy balance between our physical well-being and our financial stability.

In conclusion, the Hadith of Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) serves as a reminder for Muslims to avoid excessive eating. It highlights the negative consequences of overindulgence, both in terms of health and financial burden. The Quranic verses mentioned support this message by emphasizing the importance of moderation in all aspects of life, including our eating habits. As Muslims, it is essential for us to follow the teachings of Islam and strive for balance in all aspects of our lives, including our consumption of food.