Hadith #7998

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 provided Hadith of Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) states,

Good estimation with sufficiency is better than striving in extravagance.

Let us delve into the meanings of the important words in this Hadith.

The word (husn al-taqdeer) "حُسْنُ التَّقْديرِ" refers to having a good estimation or judgment. It implies making wise decisions and assessing situations correctly. (ma'a) "مَعَ" means "with" or "alongside." (al-kafaaf) "الكَفافِ" means sufficiency or moderation. It signifies having enough without going to extremes. (khayr) "خَيْرٌ" means better or superior. (min) "مِنَ" means "than." (al-sa'i) "السَّعْيِ" refers to striving or exerting effort. (fi) "فِي" means "in." (al-israaf) "الإسْرافِ" means extravagance or wastefulness. It denotes going beyond what is necessary or appropriate.

To understand the profound wisdom behind this Hadith, let us turn to the Quran for guidance. 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 emphasizes the importance of moderation in all aspects of life, including our material possessions and desires. Allah dislikes those who indulge in extravagance and wastefulness.

Furthermore, in Surah Al-Isra (17:29), Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) states,

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 stinginess and excessive spending. It encourages us to strike a balance between being miserly and being wasteful. The concept of sufficiency and moderation is emphasized here as well.

Now, let us reflect on the impactful message of Imam Ali's (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) Hadith. He teaches us that having a good estimation, making wise decisions, and being content with sufficiency is far superior to striving in extravagance. When we estimate correctly, we are able to discern what is truly necessary and what is excessive. By embracing sufficiency, we avoid falling into the trap of materialism and greed.

Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) exemplified this principle throughout his life. His knowledge and wisdom allowed him to make sound judgments and decisions. He lived a life of simplicity and contentment, even though he had the ability to acquire great wealth and possessions. His focus was on fulfilling the needs of the community and ensuring justice for all.

Striving in extravagance, on the other hand, leads to imbalance and dissatisfaction. It can lead to a never-ending pursuit of material possessions, which ultimately distracts us from our spiritual growth and the pursuit of true happiness. Extravagance often results in wastefulness, both in terms of resources and time.

In conclusion, Imam Ali's (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) Hadith teaches us the importance of having a good estimation and being content with sufficiency. It reminds us to avoid the pitfalls of extravagance and wastefulness. By embracing moderation and making wise decisions, we can lead a balanced and fulfilling life. May Allah guide us to follow the teachings of Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) and grant us the wisdom to make sound judgments.