Hadith #9902

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, the Ahl al-Bayt, and his noble companions.

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

كَثْرَةُ المَنِّ تُكَدِّرُ الصَّنيعَةَ۔

This Hadith can be translated as,

Too much obligation spoils the good action.

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

The word (kathrah) "كَثْرَةُ" in this Hadith refers to an abundance or excessiveness. It signifies an overwhelming amount or an excessive burden. The word (al-mann) "المَنِّ" refers to obligations or responsibilities that are placed upon an individual. It encompasses the various duties and tasks that one is expected to fulfill. Finally, the word (tukaddiru) "تُكَدِّرُ" means to spoil, corrupt, or diminish the value of something. It implies that an excess of obligations can have a negative impact on the quality of one's actions.

To understand the wisdom behind this Hadith, we can turn to the Quran for guidance. In Surah Al-Baqarah, Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) says, (Quran 2:286)

Allah does not burden a soul beyond that it can bear...

This verse emphasizes that Allah, in His infinite wisdom, does not burden His creation with obligations that exceed their capabilities. He knows the limits of each individual and assigns responsibilities accordingly.

Furthermore, in Surah Al-A'raf, Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) states, (Quran 2:185)

Allah intends for you ease and does not intend for you hardship...

This verse highlights the compassionate nature of Allah, who desires ease for His servants and does not intend to impose unnecessary hardships upon them. It is a reminder that the religion of Islam is a balanced and moderate way of life, not one of excessive burdens.

Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ), being the epitome of knowledge and wisdom, understood the importance of maintaining a balance in fulfilling obligations. He recognized that while fulfilling one's responsibilities is essential, an excessive burden can lead to the deterioration of the quality of one's actions.

When obligations become overwhelming, individuals may experience burnout, stress, and fatigue. This can lead to a decline in their performance and the inability to fulfill their duties effectively. For example, if a person takes on too many voluntary acts of worship, such as fasting continuously without adequate rest, their physical and mental well-being may be compromised. As a result, their ability to worship Allah and carry out other responsibilities may be negatively affected.

Imam Ali's (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) Hadith serves as a reminder for Muslims to strike a balance in their lives. It encourages us to prioritize our obligations and not burden ourselves with excessive responsibilities that may hinder our ability to perform them with excellence. It teaches us the importance of self-care, moderation, and maintaining a healthy balance between our religious, personal, and social obligations.

In conclusion, the Hadith of Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) reminds us that an excess of obligations can spoil the quality of our actions. It urges us to find a balance in fulfilling our responsibilities, as Allah does not burden us beyond our capabilities. By maintaining this balance, we can ensure that our actions are performed with excellence and sincerity, ultimately seeking the pleasure of Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) in all that we do. May Allah grant us the wisdom to understand and implement this valuable lesson in our lives.