Hadith #8684

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

The Hadith of Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) states,

One who does not practice moderation is ruined by extravagance.

This Hadith emphasizes the importance of practicing moderation in all aspects of life and warns against the dangers of extravagance.

Let us delve into the key words of this Hadith to gain a deeper understanding. The word (iqtisad) "اِقْتِصادَ" refers to practicing moderation, being moderate, or exercising self-restraint. It entails striking a balance between extremes and avoiding excessiveness. On the other hand, (israf) "الإسْرافُ" means extravagance or wastefulness. It refers to going beyond what is necessary or appropriate, squandering resources, and indulging in excess.

The Quran provides us with numerous verses that emphasize the importance of moderation and warn against extravagance. 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 highlights the need for Muslims to enjoy the blessings bestowed upon them by Allah, but within the limits of moderation. It reminds us that Allah dislikes those who engage in excessive behavior. By practicing moderation, we demonstrate gratitude for the blessings we have been given and avoid falling into the trap of extravagance.

Another verse that supports the message of this Hadith is found in Surah Al-Isra (17:29), where Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) says,

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

This verse warns against both extremes - being miserly and withholding one's wealth excessively, as well as being extravagant and spending without restraint. It encourages Muslims to strike a balance in their spending habits, neither being too stingy nor too wasteful. By doing so, one avoids the blame and financial difficulties that result from either extreme.

Reflecting on the Hadith of Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ), we can see the wisdom behind his words. When individuals fail to practice moderation and instead indulge in extravagance, they open themselves up to a multitude of negative consequences.

Extravagance can lead to financial difficulties, as one spends beyond their means and accumulates debt. It can also result in a loss of self-control and discipline, as one becomes accustomed to a lifestyle of excess and indulgence. This lack of self-restraint can extend to other areas of life, such as overeating, oversleeping, or indulging in harmful habits.

Furthermore, extravagance can lead to a sense of entitlement and a disregard for the needs of others. When one becomes consumed by their own desires and pleasures, they may neglect their responsibilities towards their family, community, and society as a whole. This can have detrimental effects on relationships, social cohesion, and the overall well-being of individuals and communities.

In contrast, practicing moderation brings numerous benefits. It allows individuals to live within their means, ensuring financial stability and security. It cultivates self-discipline and self-control, enabling individuals to make wise choices and avoid harmful excesses. It also fosters a sense of gratitude and contentment, as individuals learn to appreciate and make the most of what they have been blessed with.

Moreover, moderation promotes a balanced and harmonious society. When individuals practice moderation, they are more likely to consider the needs of others and contribute to the welfare of the community. This fosters a spirit of cooperation, compassion, and social justice, which are essential values in Islam.

In conclusion, the Hadith of Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) serves as a reminder for Muslims to practice moderation in all aspects of life. By avoiding extravagance and embracing self-restraint, we can protect ourselves from the ruinous consequences of excess. Let us strive to strike a balance in our actions, thoughts, and desires, following the guidance of the Quran and the teachings of our beloved Prophet Muhammad (ﷺ) and his noble Ahl al-Bayt. May Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) grant us the wisdom and strength to embody the principles of moderation in our lives.