Hadith #4956

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.

The Arabic Hadith of Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) states,

مَنْ أرادَ السَّلامَةَ فَعَلَيْهِ بِالقَصْدِ۔

This can be translated as,

One who desires security should adopt moderation.

Let us delve into the deeper meaning of this Hadith in light of the Quran.

The word (salama) "سَّلامَةَ" in this Hadith refers to security, peace, and well-being. It encompasses both physical and spiritual aspects of safety and tranquility. It is the state of being free from harm, fear, and distress. The word (qasd) "قَصْدِ" means moderation, balance, and avoiding extremes. It signifies the act of choosing a middle path, avoiding excessiveness or deficiency in any matter.

The Quranic teachings emphasize the importance of moderation and balance in various aspects of life. Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) says in Surah Al-Baqarah (2:143),

And thus We have made you a just community that you will be witnesses over the people and the Messenger will be a witness over you.

This verse highlights the significance of being a just and balanced community, avoiding extremism in any form.

Furthermore, in Surah Al-Hijr (15:42), Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) advises Prophet Muhammad (ﷺ) to

Say, 'The truth is from your Lord, so whoever wills - let him believe; and whoever wills - let him disbelieve.'

This verse emphasizes the freedom of choice and the importance of allowing individuals to make their own decisions, without imposing extremism or coercion.

Imam Ali's (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) Hadith highlights the path to achieving security and peace. It teaches us that adopting moderation in our actions, beliefs, and interactions with others is essential for attaining a state of well-being. By avoiding extremes and finding a balanced approach, we can create harmony within ourselves and in society.

For example, in matters of faith, moderation encourages us to have a balanced understanding of Islam, avoiding both excessive strictness and excessive leniency. It reminds us to follow the middle path, as Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) says in Surah Al-Baqarah (2:143),

Thus, We have made you a just community.

In our relationships with others, moderation teaches us to avoid extremes of aggression or passivity. It encourages us to be just, compassionate, and respectful towards others, as Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) says in Surah Al-Ma'idah (5:8),

And do not let the hatred of a people prevent you from being just. Be just; that is nearer to righteousness.

Adopting moderation also has practical implications for our personal well-being. It helps us maintain a balanced lifestyle, avoiding excesses in food, sleep, and other worldly desires. As 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.

In conclusion, Imam Ali's (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) Hadith reminds us of the importance of adopting moderation in all aspects of our lives. By choosing the middle path, we can attain security, peace, and well-being. This principle is deeply rooted in the Quranic teachings, which emphasize the significance of balance, justice, and avoiding extremes. As Muslims, let us strive to embody this principle in our actions, beliefs, and interactions, and may Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) guide us towards the path of moderation and righteousness.