Hadith #8681

In the name of Allah, the Most Gracious, the Most Merciful. Praise be to Allah, the Lord of all worlds, and blessings and peace be upon our beloved Prophet Muhammad (ﷺ), his pure Ahl al-Bayt, and his noble companions.

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

كُلُّ ما زادَ عَلَى الاِقْتِصادِ إسْرافٌ۔

This can be translated as,

Everything that exceeds moderation is extravagance.

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

Firstly, let us understand the key words in this Hadith. (iqtisad) "اقْتِصاد" refers to moderation, balance, and avoiding excessiveness. It is the act of being moderate in our actions, whether it is in our spending, eating, or any other aspect of life. On the other hand, (israf) "إسْراف" refers to extravagance, wastefulness, and going beyond the limits of moderation. It is the act of exceeding what is necessary or beneficial.

The Quran emphasizes the importance of moderation and avoiding extravagance in various verses. For example, 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 highlights the need for moderation in our actions, including our consumption of food and drink.

Similarly, in Surah Al-Isra (17:29), Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) warns against extravagance by saying,

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

This verse cautions us against spending excessively and becoming burdened by debt or financial difficulties.

The Hadith of Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) aligns perfectly with these Quranic teachings. It reminds us that anything that goes beyond moderation is considered extravagance. This applies to all aspects of our lives, whether it is in our material possessions, our desires, or our actions.

Extravagance can have detrimental effects on both individuals and society as a whole. When we indulge in excessive spending, we may fall into debt and financial instability. This can lead to stress, anxiety, and even the breakdown of relationships. Moreover, extravagance can also lead to wastefulness of resources, which goes against the principles of sustainability and environmental stewardship that Islam promotes.

Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ), known for his profound knowledge and wisdom, reminds us of the importance of moderation. By practicing moderation, we can strike a balance in our lives, ensuring that we fulfill our needs and desires without going to extremes. This moderation allows us to lead a more fulfilling and content life, free from the burdens of excessiveness.

In conclusion, the Hadith of Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) serves as a timeless reminder for Muslims to embrace moderation and avoid extravagance in all aspects of life. By adhering to the principles of moderation, we can maintain a balanced and harmonious existence, both individually and collectively. May Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) grant us the wisdom to practice moderation and protect us from the pitfalls of extravagance.