Hadith #4551

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

إنَّ مِنَ الفَسادِ إضاعَةَ الزَّادِ۔

This Hadith can be translated as,

Verily the wasting of provisions is from corruption.

Let us delve into the significance of this statement in light of the Quran.

The word (fasad) "فَسادِ" in Arabic refers to corruption, decay, or disruption. It signifies a state of disorder or imbalance that leads to negative consequences. In this Hadith, Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) highlights one specific form of corruption, which is the wasting or squandering of provisions, represented by the word (i'da'at al-zad) "إضاعَةَ الزَّادِ".

To understand the significance of this Hadith, we can turn to the Quran for guidance. Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) repeatedly emphasizes the importance of preserving and utilizing resources wisely. 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 reminds us that while it is permissible to enjoy the bounties of this world, we should not indulge in excess or waste. Wasting provisions not only goes against the principles of moderation and gratitude, but it also leads to societal and environmental imbalances. Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) has created everything in this universe with a purpose, and it is our responsibility to utilize these resources responsibly.

Furthermore, in Surah Al-Isra (17:80), Allah warns against extravagance and wastefulness, stating,

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 highlights the importance of seeking sustenance from Allah and being mindful of our actions, including the way we consume and utilize provisions.

Imam Ali's (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) Hadith serves as a reminder for Muslims to be conscious of their consumption habits and to avoid wastefulness. Wasting provisions not only leads to personal loss but also contributes to larger societal issues such as poverty, hunger, and environmental degradation.

When we squander our resources, we deprive others of their rightful share and contribute to the widening gap between the rich and the poor. Moreover, wastefulness goes against the principles of justice and compassion that Islam promotes. Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) encourages us to be mindful of our actions and to use our provisions in a way that benefits both ourselves and others.

Reflecting on this Hadith, we can see its relevance in various aspects of our lives. It reminds us to be grateful for the blessings we have been bestowed with and to use them wisely. Whether it is food, water, money, or any other resource, we should strive to be conscientious in our consumption and avoid extravagance.

Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ), known for his profound knowledge and wisdom, highlights the importance of preserving provisions as a means to combat corruption. By doing so, we not only fulfill our individual responsibilities but also contribute to the betterment of society as a whole.

In conclusion, the Hadith of Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) serves as a reminder for Muslims to avoid wastefulness and to utilize provisions responsibly. It aligns with the teachings of the Quran, which emphasize moderation, gratitude, and justice. By being mindful of our consumption habits, we can contribute to a more balanced and equitable society, while also fulfilling our duty as stewards of Allah's creation. May Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) guide us to be mindful of our actions and to use our provisions in a manner that pleases Him.