Hadith #958

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 and noble family, the Ahl al-Bayt, and his righteous companions.

The hadith of Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) states,

Whoever eats less, his thoughts become pure.

Let us delve into the deeper meaning of this impactful saying in light of the Quran.

The word (qalla) "قَلَّ" in Arabic, which means "less" or "reduced," refers to moderation in consumption. It implies refraining from excessive indulgence in food and drink. By restraining our desires and practicing self-discipline, we can achieve a state of purity in our thoughts and intentions.

This hadith highlights the importance of controlling our physical desires, particularly in relation to food. It reminds us that excessive consumption can cloud our minds and distract us from spiritual pursuits. When we eat in moderation, our thoughts become clearer, and our focus shifts towards matters of greater importance, such as worship, contemplation, and seeking knowledge.

The Quran provides us with several verses that emphasize the significance of moderation and self-control. In Surah Al-A'raf (7:31), Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) warns against indulging in excess and urges us to eat and drink in moderation:

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.

Furthermore, in Surah Al-Isra (17:29), Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) advises us to avoid extravagance and wastefulness:

And do not make your hand [as] chained to your neck or extend it completely and [thereby] become blamed and insolvent.

By adhering to these Quranic teachings, we can maintain a balanced lifestyle that promotes spiritual growth and mental clarity. When we consume food in moderation, we are able to better focus on our duties as Muslims and engage in acts of worship with a pure and attentive mind.

Moreover, this hadith of Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) also highlights the connection between our physical and spiritual well-being. When we overindulge in food, our bodies become sluggish, and our minds become preoccupied with worldly matters. This can lead to a decrease in our spiritual awareness and hinder our ability to connect with Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ).

On the other hand, when we eat in moderation, our bodies are nourished adequately, and our minds are free from the burden of excessive consumption. This allows us to focus on our spiritual growth, reflect upon the Quranic teachings, and develop a deeper understanding of our faith.

In conclusion, the hadith of Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) serves as a reminder for Muslims to practice moderation in their consumption of food and drink. By doing so, we can attain purity of thought and enhance our spiritual journey. Let us strive to follow the guidance of the Quran and the teachings of our beloved Prophet Muhammad (ﷺ) and the Ahl al-Bayt, including Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ), in order to lead a balanced and fulfilling life as Muslims. May Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) grant us the strength and wisdom to practice moderation in all aspects of our lives.