Hadith #1838

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 provided Hadith of Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) states,

Strong determination and lavishness do not go together.

This concise statement carries a enlightening message about the importance of balance and moderation in our lives.

Let us first delve into the meanings of the key words in this Hadith. The word (azimah) "عَزيمَةٌ" refers to strong determination, resolve, or steadfastness. It signifies a firm commitment to a goal or a course of action. On the other hand, the word (waleemah) "وَليمَةٌ" refers to lavishness, extravagance, or indulgence in worldly pleasures. It implies a tendency to spend excessively or to engage in luxurious and extravagant behavior.

To understand the deeper meaning of this Hadith, we can turn to the Quran for guidance. Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) repeatedly emphasizes the importance of balance and moderation in various aspects of our lives. 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 need for moderation in our consumption of food, drink, and worldly pleasures. It reminds us that while it is permissible to enjoy the blessings of this world, we should not indulge in excess or extravagance. Excessive indulgence can lead to wastefulness, greed, and a neglect of our spiritual and moral obligations.

Furthermore, in Surah Al-Qasas (28:77), Allah says,

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 encourages us to strike a balance between our worldly pursuits and our spiritual aspirations. It reminds us that while we should strive for success in this world, we should not become so engrossed in material pursuits that we neglect our duties towards Allah and our fellow human beings. We should use the blessings bestowed upon us by Allah to do good and to seek His pleasure, while avoiding any form of corruption or extravagance.

Imam Ali's (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) statement in the Hadith highlights the inherent contradiction between strong determination and lavishness. When we are truly determined to achieve a goal or fulfill a responsibility, we need to focus our energies and resources towards that objective. Lavishness, on the other hand, can distract us from our goals and lead us astray.

For example, imagine a person who is determined to excel in their studies or to succeed in their career. They set clear goals, work hard, and make sacrifices to achieve their objectives. However, if they become too indulgent in worldly pleasures, such as excessive socializing, luxurious vacations, or extravagant spending, their determination may waver, and their focus may shift away from their original goals. The pursuit of lavishness can divert their attention and hinder their progress.

Similarly, in the realm of spirituality, a person who is deeply committed to their faith and seeks closeness to Allah may engage in acts of worship, such as prayer, fasting, and charity. However, if they become preoccupied with worldly desires and engage in excessive indulgence, their spiritual journey may be compromised. The pursuit of lavishness can lead to a neglect of spiritual obligations and a weakening of their connection with Allah.

In conclusion, the Hadith of Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) teaches us the importance of balance and moderation in our lives. It reminds us that strong determination and lavishness are incompatible, as they pull us in opposite directions. To achieve our goals, whether they are worldly or spiritual, we must prioritize our commitments and avoid excessive indulgence. By striking a balance between our ambitions and our responsibilities, we can lead a purposeful and fulfilling life, pleasing to Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ). May Allah guide us all on the path of moderation and grant us success in this world and the Hereafter.