Hadith #5969

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

The Arabic Hadith of Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) states, "بِئْسَ الطَّعامُ الحَرامُ۔" This can be translated into English as,

How bad a food the forbidden [food] is!

In this Hadith, Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) is highlighting the negative consequences and harmful effects of consuming forbidden food.

To understand the significance behind this Hadith, let us delve into the words used. The word (ta'am) "طَعَامُ" refers to food, sustenance, or nourishment. It encompasses both physical and spiritual nourishment. The word (haram) "حَرَامُ" refers to that which is prohibited or forbidden by Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ). It includes anything that is explicitly prohibited in the Quran or the teachings of the Prophet Muhammad (ﷺ).

This Hadith emphasizes the importance of avoiding forbidden food and its detrimental effects on an individual's physical, spiritual, and moral well-being. It serves as a reminder to Muslims to be cautious and mindful of what they consume, not only in terms of halal and haram, but also in terms of the quality and source of their sustenance.

The Quran provides us with several verses that support the exegesis of this Hadith. In Surah Al-Baqarah, Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) says, (Quran 2:172)

O you who have believed, eat from the good things which We have provided for you and be grateful to Allah if it is [indeed] Him that you worship

This verse emphasizes the importance of consuming that which is lawful and pure, as it is a means of expressing gratitude to Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ).

Furthermore, in Surah Al-A'raf, Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) warns us against consuming that which is forbidden, saying, (Quran 6:121)

And do not eat of that upon which the name of Allah has not been mentioned, for indeed, it is grave disobedience

This verse highlights the significance of consuming food that has been blessed with the name of Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ), as it is a means of obedience and righteousness.

The exegesis of this Hadith goes beyond the realm of physical nourishment. It also encompasses the spiritual and moral dimensions of our lives. Consuming forbidden food not only harms our physical health but also has negative effects on our spiritual well-being. It tarnishes our souls and distances us from the path of righteousness.

Moreover, this Hadith serves as a reminder of the importance of self-discipline and self-control. By abstaining from forbidden food, we strengthen our willpower and develop a sense of moral responsibility. It teaches us to prioritize obedience to Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) over our desires and urges.

In conclusion, the Hadith of Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ),

How bad a food the forbidden [food] is!

highlights the negative consequences and harmful effects of consuming forbidden food. It serves as a reminder to Muslims to be cautious and mindful of what they consume, both in terms of halal and haram, as well as the quality and source of their sustenance. By adhering to the teachings of Islam and avoiding forbidden food, we not only protect our physical health but also nurture our spiritual well-being and strengthen our moral character. May Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) guide us all to make righteous choices in our consumption and grant us the strength to abstain from that which is forbidden.