Hadith #1824

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

The Hadith of Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) states,

Complement your food with hunger and discipline yourself with contentment.

This wise utterance highlights the importance of self-control and moderation in our lives, particularly in regards to our desires and material possessions.

Let us delve into the key words of this Hadith to gain a deeper understanding. The word (ta'addam) "تَأَدَّمْ" means to complement or complete something. In this context, it refers to complementing our food with hunger, implying that we should not indulge in excessive eating or be gluttonous. The word (bil-ju'i) "بِالجُوعِ" means hunger, which signifies the state of abstaining from excessive food and being content with what is necessary for sustenance.

On the other hand, the word (ta'addab) "تَأَدَّبْ" means to discipline or educate oneself. In this Hadith, it refers to disciplining ourselves with contentment, which means being satisfied with what we have and not constantly seeking more. The word (bil-qunū'i) "بِالقُنُوعِ" means contentment, which is the state of being pleased and grateful for what Allah has provided us, without coveting what others possess.

To understand the deeper meaning of this Hadith, we can turn to the Quran for guidance. Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) says in Surah Al-A'raf (7:31),

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 emphasizes the importance of moderation in our consumption, whether it be in terms of food, drink, or material possessions. We are encouraged to enjoy the blessings that Allah has bestowed upon us, but we should not go to extremes or become slaves to our desires. Excessive indulgence leads to wastefulness, greed, and a neglect of the rights of others.

Furthermore, Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) reminds us in Surah Al-Qasas (28:77),

But seek, through that which Allah has given you, the home of the Hereafter; and [yet], do not forget your share of the world. And do good as Allah has done good to you. And desire not corruption in the land. Indeed, Allah does not like corrupters.

This verse highlights the importance of striking a balance between our worldly pursuits and our spiritual aspirations. We should not become so preoccupied with accumulating wealth and material possessions that we neglect our duties towards Allah and our fellow human beings. Contentment allows us to focus on the eternal rewards of the Hereafter while fulfilling our responsibilities in this world.

Imam Ali's (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) statement serves as a reminder for Muslims to adopt a mindset of self-discipline and moderation. By complementing our food with hunger, we learn to appreciate the blessings of sustenance and avoid excess. Through disciplining ourselves with contentment, we develop a sense of gratitude and detachment from worldly desires.

Practicing this Hadith has profound implications for our personal growth and spiritual development. It helps us cultivate self-control, humility, and gratitude. By being mindful of our consumption and content with what Allah has provided, we can avoid the pitfalls of materialism, greed, and envy. This leads to a more balanced and fulfilling life, both in this world and the Hereafter.

May Allah (تَبَارَكَ وَتَعَالَىٰ) grant us the wisdom to understand and implement the teachings of Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) in our lives. May He bless us with the strength to practice moderation, self-discipline, and contentment. And may He shower His mercy upon us and guide us on the path of righteousness.