Hadith #8683

In the name of Allah, the Most Gracious, the Most Merciful. Praise be to Allah, the Lord of all worlds, and blessings be upon Muhammad (ﷺ) and his pure progeny, the Ahl al-Bayt, as well as his noble companions.

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

لَيْسَ فِي الاِقْتِصادِ تَلَفٌ۔

This can be translated as,

There is no wastage in moderation.

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

The word (iqtisad) "اِقْتِصادِ" in this Hadith refers to moderation or balance. It is derived from the root word (qasada) "قَصَدَ", which means to be moderate, just, or balanced. Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) is emphasizing the importance of moderation in all aspects of life. This includes not only material possessions but also our actions, emotions, and beliefs.

The concept of moderation is beautifully highlighted in the Quran. Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) says in Surah Al-Baqarah, verse 143:

Thus, We have made you a justly balanced community that you will be witnesses over the people and the Messenger will be a witness over you.

This verse emphasizes the importance of balance and moderation in the Muslim community. It is through moderation that we can be witnesses of righteousness and justice to the world.

Another verse that supports the concept of moderation is found in Surah Al-A'raf, verse 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 reminds us that while it is permissible to enjoy the blessings of this world, we should not indulge in excess. Moderation in our consumption of food, drink, and material possessions is highly encouraged in Islam.

Imam Ali's statement,

There is no wastage in moderation,

holds profound wisdom. When we adopt a moderate approach in our lives, we avoid wastage and excess. This applies to our material possessions, where we should be mindful of our consumption and avoid unnecessary extravagance. It also extends to our actions, where we should strive to strike a balance between fulfilling our responsibilities and avoiding overexertion.

Moreover, moderation in our emotions is crucial. We should not let our desires and passions overpower us, leading to harmful consequences. By practicing moderation, we can maintain a healthy emotional state and avoid unnecessary conflicts and regrets.

In terms of beliefs, moderation is equally important. Extremism in religious matters can lead to division and intolerance. Islam teaches us to follow the middle path and avoid any form of extremism. By embracing moderation, we can foster unity and understanding among Muslims and people of different faiths.

The consequences of practicing moderation are far-reaching. It leads to a balanced and harmonious life, both individually and collectively. It helps us avoid the extremes of excess and deficiency, allowing us to make the most of our resources and talents. Moderation also promotes self-discipline, self-control, and contentment, which are essential qualities for a successful and fulfilling life.

Reflecting on Imam Ali's statement, we realize that moderation is not a mere suggestion but a fundamental principle in Islam. It is a path that leads to righteousness, justice, and harmony. By embodying moderation in all aspects of our lives, we can strive to be better Muslims and contribute positively to society.

In conclusion, Imam Ali's statement,

There is no wastage in moderation,

carries immense wisdom and guidance for Muslims. It reminds us of the importance of balance and moderation in all aspects of our lives. Through the Quranic verses and the teachings of the Ahl al-Bayt, we understand that moderation is a key principle in Islam. By practicing moderation, we can avoid wastage, maintain a balanced and harmonious life, and fulfill our responsibilities as witnesses of righteousness and justice. May Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) guide us all to embrace moderation and grant us success in this world and the hereafter.