Hadith #4826

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 pure progeny, and his noble companions.

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

لَيْسَ في سَرَف شَرَفٌ۔

which translates to

There is no honour in extravagance.

This beautiful saying made by Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) highlights the importance of moderation and balance in our lives.

To understand the deeper meaning of this Hadith, let us first explore the key words used. The word (saraf) "سَرَف" refers to extravagance or excessiveness, while (sharaf) "شَرَفٌ" denotes honor or nobility. Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) is emphasizing that true honor and nobility do not lie in indulging in excessive or wasteful behavior.

This teaching of Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) finds support in the Quranic verses as well. Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) repeatedly reminds us of the importance of moderation and balance in various aspects of our lives. In Surah Al-A'raf, verse 31, Allah 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 encourages us to enjoy the blessings of Allah but warns against going to extremes.

Furthermore, in Surah Al-Isra, verse 29, Allah 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, as both extremes can lead to negative consequences.

Imam Ali's (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) statement serves as a reminder for Muslims to lead a balanced and moderate lifestyle. Extravagance, whether in material possessions, wealth, or even in our actions, can lead to negative consequences. It can lead to arrogance, wastefulness, and a lack of gratitude for the blessings bestowed upon us by Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ).

By avoiding extravagance, we can maintain a sense of humility, gratitude, and contentment. We can use our resources wisely, fulfilling our needs and the needs of others without falling into the trap of excessive consumption. This moderation allows us to maintain a harmonious balance in our lives, fostering a sense of inner peace and tranquility.

Moreover, Imam Ali's (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) statement also extends beyond material possessions. It encompasses our actions, speech, and behavior as well. We should strive to avoid excessive speech, gossip, and unnecessary arguments, as they can lead to disharmony and discord within our communities.

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

There is no honour in extravagance

serves as a powerful reminder for Muslims to lead a balanced and moderate lifestyle. By avoiding excessiveness in all aspects of our lives, we can maintain a sense of humility, gratitude, and contentment. This moderation allows us to fulfill our needs while avoiding wastefulness and negative consequences. May Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) guide us all to follow the teachings of Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) and grant us the wisdom to lead a balanced and honorable life.