Hadith #5975

In the name of Allah, the Most Gracious, the Most Merciful. Praise be to Allah, the Lord of all worlds. 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 قَلَّ طَعامُهُ قَلَّتْ آلامُهُ۔

This Hadith can be translated as,

Whoever eats less, his aches [and ailments] are reduced.

Let us delve into the deeper meaning of this profound Hadith in light of the Quran. The word (qalla) "قَلَّ" in this Hadith means "less" or "reduced." It refers to consuming a smaller quantity of food. The word (ta'amuhu) "طَعَامُهُ" means "his food." And (alamuhu) "آلامُهُ" means "his aches" or "his ailments."

This Hadith emphasizes the positive impact of consuming less food on reducing physical ailments and discomfort. It highlights the importance of moderation in our eating habits and encourages us to avoid excessive indulgence in food. By restraining ourselves and eating in moderation, we can experience a decrease in physical ailments and discomfort.

The Quran also emphasizes the importance of moderation in various aspects of our lives, including our eating habits. 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 reminds us that while it is permissible to enjoy the blessings of food and drink, we should avoid excessiveness. Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) dislikes those who indulge in excessive consumption. By practicing moderation, we can maintain a balance in our lives and protect ourselves from the negative consequences of overindulgence.

Furthermore, in Surah Al-A'raf (7:57), Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) says,

And He sends down rain from the sky, and We produce thereby the growth of all things. We produce from it greenery from which We produce grains arranged in layers. And from the palm trees - of its emerging fruit are clusters hanging low. And [We produce] gardens of grapevines and olives and pomegranates, similar yet varied. Look at [each of] its fruit when it yields and [at] its ripening. Indeed in that are signs for a people who believe.

This verse highlights the abundant blessings of Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) in the form of various fruits and crops. It teaches us to appreciate the diversity and richness of the provisions provided by Allah. However, it also reminds us to consume these blessings in moderation, as excessive consumption can lead to negative consequences.

Imam Ali's (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) Hadith serves as a practical reminder of the Quranic teachings. By eating less and practicing moderation, we can experience physical benefits such as reduced aches and ailments. Overeating can lead to various health issues such as obesity, heart diseases, and digestive problems. By restraining ourselves and consuming food in moderation, we can maintain good health and prevent these ailments.

Moreover, this Hadith also carries a deeper spiritual message. By practicing self-restraint and moderation in our physical desires, we develop self-discipline and strengthen our spiritual connection with Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ). It helps us in controlling our desires and focusing on our spiritual growth.

In conclusion, the Hadith of Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) teaches us the importance of moderation in our eating habits. By consuming less food, we can experience a reduction in physical ailments and discomfort. This aligns with the Quranic teachings that emphasize moderation in all aspects of our lives. May Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) grant us the wisdom to practice moderation and lead a balanced life.