Hadith #8672

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, "اَلاِقْتِصادُ يُنْمِى اليَسيرَ۔" This can be translated into English as,

Moderation makes the small grow [big].

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

The word (al-iqtisad) "اَلاِقْتِصادُ" in this Hadith refers to moderation or balance. It implies avoiding extremes and finding a middle ground in various aspects of life. It is about striking a balance between excess and deficiency, neither being extravagant nor miserly. This concept of moderation is emphasized in the Quran in several 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 importance of moderation in matters of consumption and indulgence. It encourages Muslims to enjoy the blessings of Allah but within the limits set by Him. Excessive indulgence is discouraged as it leads to wastefulness and displeases Allah.

Similarly, in Surah Al-Isra (17:29), Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) advises,

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

This verse cautions against both stinginess and extravagance. It teaches us to strike a balance in spending and not to be overly frugal or excessively generous. By practicing moderation, we can avoid financial difficulties and maintain a stable lifestyle.

Now, let us reflect on the profound wisdom behind Imam Ali's statement,

Moderation makes the small grow [big].

This Hadith emphasizes the transformative power of moderation. When we adopt a moderate approach in all aspects of our lives, we can witness the growth and expansion of even the smallest of things.

In the realm of knowledge, Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) was a shining example of moderation. His vast knowledge and wisdom were not attained through hasty or excessive learning, but through a balanced and measured approach. He would carefully contemplate and reflect upon the teachings of the Prophet Muhammad (ﷺ) and the Quran, allowing his knowledge to grow and flourish over time.

In the context of personal development, moderation plays a crucial role. By maintaining a balanced lifestyle, we can nurture our physical, mental, and spiritual well-being. For instance, in the pursuit of knowledge, a moderate study routine allows for consistent progress without overwhelming ourselves. Similarly, in matters of worship, a balanced approach ensures that we fulfill our obligations while also taking care of our other responsibilities.

Moreover, moderation in our relationships and interactions with others is essential. It helps us avoid extremes such as excessive anger or complete passivity. By practicing moderation in our speech, actions, and emotions, we can foster healthy and harmonious relationships, thus creating an environment conducive to personal and collective growth.

The consequences of adopting a moderate approach are far-reaching. It leads to a balanced and harmonious life, where one can attain success in both this world and the hereafter. Moderation enables us to avoid the pitfalls of excess and deficiency, ensuring that we make the most of our resources and talents while maintaining a sense of equilibrium.

In conclusion, the Hadith of Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ),

Moderation makes the small grow [big],

emphasizes the importance of balance and moderation in all aspects of our lives. By avoiding extremes and adopting a measured approach, we can witness the growth and expansion of even the smallest of things. This concept is beautifully supported by various Quranic verses that encourage moderation in matters of consumption, spending, and personal development. May Allah guide us to follow the path of moderation and bless us with success in this life and the hereafter.