Hadith #8440

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 provided Hadith of Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) emphasizes the importance of restraining oneself from indulging in unnecessary and excessive matters. Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) states that when one refrains from engaging in superfluous activities, their intellect becomes balanced and harmonized.

Let us delve into the deeper meaning of this amazing Hadith of examining the key words used in the Hadith. The word (fudool) "فُضُولِ" refers to that which is excessive, unnecessary, or beyond what is required. It encompasses actions, speech, and thoughts that are not beneficial or productive. The term (addalat) "عَدَّلَتْ" means to be balanced, just, or in harmony. It signifies a state of equilibrium and soundness. Finally, (al-'uqool) "العُقُولُ" refers to the intellects or rational minds.

To further understand the wisdom behind Imam Ali's (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) statement, let us turn to the Quran for guidance. Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) repeatedly emphasizes the importance of moderation, balance, and avoiding excess in various verses.

In Surah Al-A'raf (7:31), Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) 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 reminds us that while it is permissible to enjoy the blessings of this world, we should not go beyond what is necessary or indulge in excessive behavior. Excessive consumption, whether it be in material possessions, food, or entertainment, can lead to imbalance and distract us from our ultimate purpose in life.

In Surah Al-Qasas (28:77), Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) states,

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 seeking the Hereafter while not neglecting our responsibilities and blessings in this world. It encourages us to strike a balance between our spiritual aspirations and our worldly obligations. By avoiding excessive attachment to worldly possessions and desires, we can maintain a clear and focused mindset, enabling us to make sound decisions guided by our intellect.

Imam Ali's (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) statement serves as a reminder for Muslims to be mindful of their actions, words, and thoughts. When we restrain ourselves from engaging in superfluous matters, we allow our intellects to function optimally. By avoiding excessive indulgence in worldly distractions, we create space for reflection, contemplation, and spiritual growth.

Practically, this Hadith encourages us to prioritize our time and energy on activities that bring us closer to Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) and benefit others. It urges us to be mindful of our speech, ensuring that our words are meaningful, beneficial, and in line with the teachings of Islam. It also reminds us to be cautious of our thoughts, avoiding negative or wasteful thinking that can hinder our progress in both this world and the Hereafter.

Moreover, restraining ourselves from the superfluous can have far-reaching consequences. It allows us to maintain a balanced and harmonious lifestyle, free from the burdens of excess and unnecessary distractions. This moderation in our actions and mindset can lead to increased productivity, improved relationships, and a greater sense of contentment and peace.

In conclusion, the Hadith of Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) teaches us the importance of restraining ourselves from indulging in the superfluous. By doing so, we allow our intellects to function optimally, leading to a balanced and harmonious life. This principle is reinforced by various Quranic verses that emphasize moderation, balance, and avoiding excess. As Muslims, we should strive to implement this wisdom in our daily lives, seeking the pleasure of Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) and the betterment of ourselves and society. May Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) grant us the ability to restrain ourselves from the superfluous and bless us with balanced intellects.