Hadith #5060

In the name of Allah, the Most Gracious, the Most Merciful. 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,

الشِّبَعُ يُورِثُ الأشَرَ، و يُفْسِدُ الْوَرَعَ۔

This Hadith warns us about the negative consequences of overeating. Let us delve into the meanings of the important words in this Hadith.

The word (ash-shiba') "الشِّبَعُ" refers to overeating or indulging in excessive food consumption. It signifies going beyond the limits of what is necessary for sustenance. This excessive consumption leads to negative outcomes, as highlighted in the Hadith. The word (yuwariṯu) "يُورِثُ" means to bring about or cause. It implies that overeating leads to the inheritance or acquisition of (al-ashara) "الأشَرَ", which refers to insolence, wickedness, or evil. Additionally, the Hadith states that overeating (yufsidu al-wara'a) "يُفْسِدُ الْوَرَعَ", meaning it corrupts or spoils one's piety or righteousness.

To understand the profound wisdom behind this Hadith, we can turn to the Quran for guidance. Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) repeatedly emphasizes moderation and balance in all aspects of life, including food consumption. In Surah Al-A'raf (7:31), 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 reminds us that while we are permitted to enjoy the blessings of food and drink, we should not indulge in excess. Overeating goes against the principles of moderation and self-control that Islam encourages. It leads to negative consequences, both physically and spiritually.

Excessive consumption of food can have detrimental effects on our physical health. It can lead to obesity, heart diseases, and other health issues. Moreover, overeating can also have negative psychological effects, such as a lack of self-discipline and an unhealthy relationship with food.

From a spiritual perspective, overeating can corrupt our piety and righteousness. When we prioritize our desires and indulge in excessive consumption, we neglect the spiritual aspect of our being. It can lead to a lack of self-awareness, self-control, and mindfulness in our actions. Our focus shifts from seeking the pleasure of Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) to satisfying our own desires.

Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ), known for his immense knowledge and wisdom, warns us about the consequences of overeating. He highlights the importance of self-discipline and moderation in all aspects of our lives, including our eating habits. By practicing self-control and avoiding excess, we can maintain a balanced and healthy lifestyle, both physically and spiritually.

Let us reflect upon this Hadith and strive to adopt a moderate approach to food consumption. By doing so, we can protect ourselves from the negative consequences of overeating and maintain a strong connection with our Creator. May Allah (تَبَارَكَ وَتَعَالَىٰ) grant us the wisdom to follow the teachings of the Ahl al-Bayt and lead a life of balance and righteousness.