Hadith #8673

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 Ahl al-Bayt, and his noble companions.

The Hadith of Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) states, "Al-Iqtisadu nisf al-ma'unah," which translates to

Moderation [in one’s expenses] is half of livelihood.

This enlightening saying of Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) emphasizes the importance of practicing moderation in our expenditures and managing our resources wisely.

To understand the significance of this Hadith, let us delve into the meanings of the key words. "Iqtisad" refers to moderation or balance, while "nisf" means half, and "ma'unah" refers to livelihood or sustenance. Thus, Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) is highlighting the concept of moderation as being essential for sustaining a balanced and prosperous life.

The Quran provides us with numerous verses that emphasize the importance of moderation and balance in various aspects of our lives. For instance, 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 to enjoy the blessings of this world but to avoid extravagance and excessiveness.

Similarly, in Surah Al-Hijr (15:87), Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) states,

And We have certainly distributed it among them that they might be reminded, but most of the people refuse except disbelief.

Here, Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) highlights the importance of moderation in the distribution of sustenance, indicating that it is a reminder for us to be grateful and mindful of our resources.

Imam Ali's (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) Hadith encourages us to adopt a balanced approach towards our expenses and resources. It reminds us that excessive spending and extravagance can lead to financial difficulties and imbalance in our lives. By practicing moderation, we can ensure that our livelihood is sustained and that we have enough resources to meet our needs and fulfill our responsibilities.

Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) possessed immense knowledge and wisdom, and his teachings were deeply rooted in the principles of the Quran. He understood that excessive spending not only depletes our resources but also leads to a lifestyle that is driven by materialism and worldly desires. By practicing moderation, we can strike a balance between our worldly needs and our spiritual growth.

Moreover, the concept of moderation extends beyond financial matters. It encompasses all aspects of our lives, including our relationships, actions, and desires. The Quran encourages us to be moderate in our behavior and to avoid extremes. In Surah Al-Baqarah (2:143), Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) says,

And thus We have made you a just community that you will be witnesses over the people and the Messenger will be a witness over you.

This verse highlights the importance of maintaining a just and balanced approach in our interactions with others.

In conclusion, the Hadith of Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) teaches us the significance of practicing moderation in our expenses and resources. By adopting a balanced approach, we can ensure the sustainability of our livelihood and avoid the pitfalls of excessive spending. This Hadith aligns perfectly with the teachings of the Quran, which emphasize the importance of moderation in all aspects of our lives. May Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) grant us the wisdom to practice moderation and lead a balanced and prosperous life.