Hadith #5976

In the name of Allah, the Most Gracious, the Most Merciful. Praise be to Allah, the Lord of all 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,

مَنْ قَلَّتْ طُعْمَتُهُ خَفَّتْ عَلَيْهِ مَؤُنَتُهُ۔

This Hadith emphasizes the idea that when one consumes less, the burden of their sustenance becomes lighter. Let us delve deeper into the meanings of the key words in this Hadith.

The word (tu'matuhu) "طُعْمَتُهُ" refers to one's consumption or intake of food. It encompasses not only the physical act of eating but also the quantity and quality of the food consumed. The word (khaffat) "خَفَّتْ" means to become light or less burdensome. And (ma'unatuhu) "مَؤُنَتُهُ" refers to sustenance or provisions.

To understand the profound wisdom behind 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 highlights the importance of moderation in consumption. Allah encourages us to enjoy the blessings of food and drink but warns against excessiveness. When we consume in moderation, we not only fulfill our needs but also avoid the burden of excessive indulgence. Our sustenance becomes lighter, both physically and spiritually.

Another verse that supports the message of this Hadith is found in Surah Al-Isra (17:80), where Allah says,

And say: My Lord! Cause me to come in with a firm incoming and to go out with a firm outgoing. And give me from Thy presence a sustaining Power.

This verse teaches us to seek sustenance from Allah and to trust in His provision. When we consume less, we rely more on Allah's sustenance, and our reliance on worldly possessions diminishes.

Imam Ali's (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) Hadith reminds us of the importance of self-control and moderation in our daily lives. By restraining our desires and consuming less, we free ourselves from the burdens of excess and materialism. This practice not only benefits us physically but also spiritually, as it strengthens our connection with Allah and enhances our self-discipline.

When we consume less, we become more aware of the needs of others. We develop empathy and compassion for those who are less fortunate. This awareness motivates us to share our blessings with others and to contribute to the well-being of society. By reducing our consumption, we can redirect our resources towards charitable causes, helping alleviate the burdens of those in need.

Moreover, consuming less can have positive environmental consequences. Our excessive consumption contributes to the depletion of natural resources and the degradation of the planet. By adopting a more sustainable lifestyle and consuming mindfully, we can reduce our ecological footprint and contribute to the preservation of the Earth's resources.

In conclusion, the Hadith of Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) reminds us of the importance of consuming less and practicing moderation in our lives. By doing so, we lighten the burden of our sustenance, strengthen our connection with Allah, develop empathy towards others, and contribute to the well-being of society and the preservation of the environment. May Allah guide us to follow the teachings of Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) and grant us the wisdom to lead balanced and purposeful lives.