Hadith #4818

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

The provided Hadith of Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) advises us to abandon extravagance by being economical and to remember the consequences of our actions in the future. Let us delve deeper into the meanings of the important words in this Hadith and explore their implications in light of the Quran.

The word (israaf) "إسْرافَ" in Arabic refers to extravagance, wastefulness, or excessiveness. It is a quality that goes against the principles of moderation and balance in Islam. Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) warns against extravagance in several verses of the Quran. 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 emphasizes the importance of avoiding excessiveness in all aspects of life, including material possessions, food, and drink.

On the other hand, the word (muqtasidan) "مُقْتَصِداً" in the Hadith means being economical, moderate, and balanced. This quality is highly praised in Islam and is encouraged in various aspects of life. Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) says in Surah Al-Furqan (25:67),

And [they are] those who, when they spend, do so not excessively or sparingly but are ever, between that, [justly] moderate.

This verse highlights the importance of being moderate and balanced in our spending and not indulging in extravagance or stinginess.

The second part of the Hadith advises us to

recall [our] tomorrow today.

This phrase urges us to consider the consequences of our actions in the future and to make decisions based on long-term benefits rather than immediate gratification. This concept is beautifully captured in the Quran in Surah Al-Hashr (59:18), where Allah says,

O you who have believed, fear Allah. And let every soul look to what it has put forth for tomorrow - and fear Allah. Indeed, Allah is Acquainted with what you do.

This verse reminds us to be mindful of our actions and to consider their impact on our future, both in this world and the hereafter.

Imam Ali's (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) wise counsel in this Hadith encourages us to adopt a balanced and moderate approach in our lives. By avoiding extravagance and being economical, we can prevent wastefulness and ensure that our resources are used wisely. Moreover, by considering the consequences of our actions in the future, we can make informed decisions that align with our long-term goals and values.

Practically, this Hadith teaches us to be mindful of our spending habits, avoiding unnecessary extravagance and focusing on essential needs. It also encourages us to plan for the future, both in terms of our worldly affairs and our spiritual journey. By adopting a balanced approach and considering the consequences of our actions, we can lead a more fulfilling and purposeful life.

In conclusion, the Hadith of Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) reminds us to abandon extravagance by being economical and to consider the consequences of our actions in the future. By following this advice, we can lead a more balanced and purposeful life, in line with the teachings of the Quran. May Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) grant us the wisdom and strength to implement these teachings in our daily lives.