Hadith #5051

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 purified progeny, and his noble companions.

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

مَنْ كَظَّتْهُ الْبِطْنَةُ حَجَبَتْهُ عَنِ الْفِطْنَةِ۔

This Hadith highlights the negative consequences of gluttony and its impact on one's intellect and astuteness.

Let us delve into the important words of this Hadith. The word (kazathu) "كَظَّتْهُ" refers to being cloyed or overwhelmed by excessive eating. It implies indulging in food beyond the limits of necessity. (al-bitna) "الْبِطْنَةُ" refers to the stomach, which is the organ responsible for digestion. It symbolizes the desire for food and the satisfaction of physical hunger. On the other hand, (al-fitnah) "الْفِطْنَةِ" refers to astuteness, intelligence, and discernment. It represents the ability to think critically and make wise decisions.

To understand the impactful message of this Hadith, let us turn to the Quran for guidance. Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) says in Surah Al-A'raf (7:179),

And We have certainly created for Hell many of the jinn and mankind. They have hearts with which they do not understand, they have eyes with which they do not see, and they have ears with which they do not hear. Those are like livestock; rather, they are more astray. It is they who are the heedless.

This verse highlights the consequences of neglecting the intellect and failing to utilize it for guidance. When one becomes engrossed in fulfilling their physical desires, such as excessive eating, they become oblivious to the higher purpose of life. Their hearts become veiled from understanding the truth, their vision becomes clouded, and their ability to hear and comprehend diminishes. They resemble livestock, driven solely by their base instincts, devoid of wisdom and discernment.

Another verse that sheds light on the importance of astuteness is found in Surah Al-Hujurat (49:6), where Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) says,

O you who have believed, if there comes to you a disobedient one with information, investigate, lest you harm a people out of ignorance and become, over what you have done, regretful.

This verse emphasizes the need for critical thinking and discernment when receiving information. Blindly accepting and acting upon information without verifying its authenticity can lead to harmful consequences. Astuteness enables us to differentiate between truth and falsehood, preventing us from causing harm out of ignorance. It is through the exercise of our intellect that we can make informed decisions and avoid regret.

Drawing from these Quranic verses, we can understand the profound wisdom behind Imam Ali's (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) Hadith. Gluttony, or excessive eating, not only harms our physical health but also obstructs our astuteness and intellect. When we prioritize the satisfaction of our physical desires over the nourishment of our intellect, we become spiritually and intellectually stagnant. Our ability to think critically, make wise decisions, and discern between right and wrong becomes impaired.

Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) highlights the importance of moderation in all aspects of life, including our consumption of food. By controlling our desires and avoiding excess, we can maintain a balance between our physical and intellectual well-being. This balance allows us to utilize our intellect to seek knowledge, reflect upon the teachings of Islam, and make sound judgments based on wisdom and guidance from Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ).

In conclusion, the Hadith of Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) serves as a reminder for Muslims to avoid gluttony and excessive eating. By doing so, we can protect our intellect and astuteness, enabling us to make wise decisions and navigate through life with clarity and purpose. Let us strive to strike a balance between our physical and intellectual needs, seeking guidance from the Quran and the teachings of the Ahl al-Bayt (عَلَيْهِمُ ٱلسَّلَامُ) in all aspects of our lives. May Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) grant us the wisdom to prioritize our intellect and seek His guidance in all our endeavors.