Hadith #5064

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 noble companions.

In this profound Hadith of Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ), he advises the Muslims to avoid habitual overeating, as it leads to the onset of illnesses and the exacerbation of diseases. Let us delve into the deeper meaning of this Hadith and explore its implications in the light of the Quran.

The word (idmaan) "إدْمانَ" in the Hadith refers to habitual overeating, indulging in excessive consumption of food beyond one's needs. This excessive eating is cautioned against by Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) due to its detrimental effects on physical health. The word (shiba'i) "شِّبَعِ" means satiation or being full. When one continuously overeats, it leads to the stimulation of various ailments and the aggravation of existing diseases.

The Quran provides guidance on moderation in eating and warns against excessive indulgence. In Surah Al-A'raf (7:31), Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) says,

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 importance of moderation in all aspects of life, including eating and drinking. Excessive indulgence is disapproved by Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ), as it goes against the principles of balance and self-control.

Furthermore, in Surah Al-A'raf (7:157), Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) describes Prophet Muhammad (ﷺ) as a role model for the believers, saying,

Those who follow the Messenger, the unlettered prophet, whom they find written in what they have of the Torah and the Gospel, who enjoins upon them what is right and forbids them what is wrong and makes lawful for them the good things and prohibits for them the evil and relieves them of their burden and the shackles which were upon them. So they who have believed in him, honored him, supported him and followed the light which was sent down with him - it is those who will be the successful.

This verse highlights the Prophet's (ﷺ) role in guiding the believers towards what is beneficial and prohibiting what is harmful. Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ), being the rightful successor of the Prophet (ﷺ), continues this guidance by advising against habitual overeating.

The consequences of habitual overeating are numerous. Physically, it can lead to obesity, heart diseases, diabetes, and other health issues. Mentally, it can result in lethargy, decreased productivity, and a lack of focus. Spiritually, it can lead to a neglect of one's duties and a preoccupation with worldly desires, diverting one's attention from the remembrance of Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ). Moreover, excessive eating can also have negative social implications, such as wastefulness and a lack of empathy towards those who are less fortunate.

Imam Ali's (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) advice serves as a reminder for Muslims to maintain a balanced and moderate approach in all aspects of life, including eating habits. By avoiding habitual overeating, we can preserve our physical health, maintain mental clarity, and fulfill our spiritual obligations. It is essential to be mindful of our consumption and to be grateful for the sustenance provided by Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ). By doing so, we can lead a more disciplined and fulfilling life, in accordance with the teachings of the Quran and the guidance of our beloved Prophet Muhammad (ﷺ) and his noble progeny.

May Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) grant us the wisdom to follow the guidance of Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) and the strength to practice moderation in all aspects of our lives. May He bless us with good health, both physically and spiritually, and enable us to fulfill our duties as Muslims.