Hadith #4814

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 Arabic Hadith of Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) states, "الإسراف يفني الجزيل" which translates to

Extravagance wipes out the plentiful.

This enlightening saying of Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) highlights the detrimental consequences of extravagance and the importance of moderation in our lives.

To understand the deeper meaning of this Hadith, let us first explore the key words used. (al-israf) "الإسراف" refers to excessive spending or wastefulness, while (al-jazeel) "الجزيل" denotes abundance or plenty. Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) warns us that indulging in extravagance will ultimately lead to the depletion of our resources and blessings.

This concept of avoiding extravagance and practicing moderation is emphasized in the Quran as well. Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) says in Surah Al-A'raf (7:31),

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 blessings of this world, we must not go beyond the limits set by Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ).

Furthermore, in Surah Al-Isra (17:29), Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) warns against extravagance by saying,

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

This verse cautions us against being overly attached to our wealth and possessions, as it can lead to financial difficulties and a loss of blessings.

Imam Ali's (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) Hadith serves as a reminder for Muslims to adopt a balanced and moderate approach in all aspects of life. Extravagance not only depletes our resources but also leads to a lack of gratitude and contentment. By practicing moderation, we can maintain a healthy balance between enjoying the blessings of this world and fulfilling our obligations towards Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) and our fellow human beings.

For example, in our daily lives, we should avoid unnecessary spending on luxurious items that go beyond our needs. Instead, we should focus on fulfilling our responsibilities towards our families, communities, and those in need. By doing so, we can ensure that our resources are utilized wisely and that we are not burdened by unnecessary debt or financial difficulties.

Moreover, this Hadith also highlights the importance of self-discipline and self-control. By resisting the temptation of extravagance, we can cultivate a sense of contentment and gratitude for the blessings bestowed upon us by Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ). This, in turn, strengthens our relationship with Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) and allows us to appreciate the true value of the blessings we have been given.

In conclusion, the Hadith of Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) serves as a powerful reminder for Muslims to avoid extravagance and practice moderation in all aspects of life. By doing so, we can preserve our blessings, maintain financial stability, and cultivate gratitude and contentment. Let us strive to follow the teachings of Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) and the guidance of the Quran, so that we may lead balanced and fulfilling lives as Muslims. May Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) grant us the wisdom and strength to embody these teachings.