Hadith #4815

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 Arabic Hadith of Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) states, "الإسْرافُ يُفْنِي الكَثيرَ۔" This Hadith can be translated into English as,

Extravagance depletes the abundant.

Let us delve deeper into the meaning of this Hadith and explore its significance in light of the Quran.

The word (al-israf) "الإسْرافُ" refers to excessive spending or wastefulness. It implies going beyond the limits of moderation and indulging in unnecessary extravagance. This includes spending more than what is required or squandering resources without considering their value or consequences. The word (yufni) "يُفْنِي" means to deplete or exhaust, indicating that extravagance leads to the depletion of one's wealth, blessings, and resources.

In the Quran, Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) repeatedly emphasizes the importance of moderation and avoiding extravagance. 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 highlights the disapproval of Allah towards those who engage in excessive behavior, including excessive spending and indulgence.

Furthermore, in Surah Al-Isra (17:29), Allah advises,

And do not make your hand [as] chained to your neck or extend it completely and [thereby] become blamed and insolvent.

This verse warns against both miserliness and extravagance. It encourages Muslims to strike a balance in their spending, avoiding both extremes. By doing so, they can maintain their financial stability and avoid falling into debt or poverty.

The Hadith of Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) serves as a reminder for Muslims to be mindful of their spending habits and to avoid wastefulness. Extravagance not only depletes one's wealth but also diminishes the blessings bestowed upon them by Allah. It is a manifestation of ingratitude and a lack of appreciation for the abundant provisions provided by Allah.

Extravagance can have severe consequences, both on an individual and societal level. On an individual level, it can lead to financial instability, debt, and a constant struggle to meet one's basic needs. It can also breed greed, materialism, and a distorted sense of priorities. On a societal level, extravagance can contribute to economic disparities, inequality, and the exploitation of resources, which ultimately harms the environment and future generations.

Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ), known for his wisdom and knowledge, reminds us of the importance of moderation and contentment. He exemplified these qualities throughout his life, even when he held the highest position of authority. His simplicity and self-restraint serve as a timeless lesson for Muslims, teaching us to prioritize our needs over our desires and to be grateful for the blessings bestowed upon us.

In conclusion, the Hadith of Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) highlights the detrimental effects of extravagance and the importance of moderation in our lives. It aligns with the teachings of the Quran, which repeatedly emphasize the virtues of contentment and avoiding excess. As Muslims, we should strive to adopt a balanced approach in our spending habits, appreciating the blessings of Allah while being mindful of our responsibilities towards ourselves, our families, and society as a whole. May Allah guide us to the path of moderation and bless us with contentment in all aspects of our lives.