Hadith #4813

In the name of Allah, the Most Gracious, the Most Merciful. Praise be to Allah, the Lord of all worlds. May peace and blessings be upon our beloved Prophet Muhammad (ﷺ), his purified progeny, and his noble companions.

The provided Hadith of Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) states,

Verily the withholding of preserver is more graceful than the giving of the squanderer.

This Hadith highlights the virtue of moderation and the importance of preserving and conserving resources, rather than wastefully squandering them.

Let us delve into the deeper meaning of this Hadith by examining the key words and concepts it presents. The word (imsak) "إمْساكَ" refers to withholding or restraining oneself from excessive spending or consumption. It implies self-control and moderation in the use of resources. On the other hand, the word (hafiz) "حافِظِ" refers to a preserver or guardian who protects and conserves what is entrusted to them. This word signifies the responsibility of safeguarding resources and using them wisely.

To understand the significance of this Hadith, we can turn to the Quran for guidance. Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) emphasizes the importance of moderation and avoiding extravagance in several verses. In Surah Al-A'raf (7:31), Allah 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 that while we are allowed to enjoy the blessings of this world, we should not indulge in excessiveness.

Furthermore, in Surah Al-Isra (17:29), Allah warns against wastefulness, 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 squandering our resources to the point of impoverishment and disgrace.

Imam Ali's (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) Hadith aligns perfectly with these Quranic teachings. It encourages us to adopt the noble characteristic of moderation and to be mindful of our consumption habits. The preserver, who exercises restraint and conserves resources, is praised for their graceful behavior. In contrast, the squanderer, who recklessly wastes what they have been given, is seen as lacking in grace and wisdom.

By practicing moderation and preserving resources, we can achieve numerous benefits. Firstly, it allows us to fulfill our needs and desires without falling into the trap of excessive materialism. Secondly, it enables us to be more mindful of the blessings bestowed upon us by Allah, fostering gratitude and contentment. Thirdly, it allows us to contribute to the well-being of society by avoiding unnecessary waste and extravagance.

For instance, let us consider the concept of food wastage. According to the Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO), approximately one-third of all food produced for human consumption is wasted globally. This wastage not only has severe environmental consequences but also perpetuates hunger and poverty. By practicing moderation and avoiding food wastage, we can play our part in reducing this global issue and ensuring that resources are distributed more equitably.

In conclusion, the Hadith of Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) teaches us the virtue of moderation and the importance of preserving and conserving resources. It aligns with the Quranic teachings that emphasize the avoidance of excessiveness and wastefulness. By adopting these principles in our lives, we can lead more balanced and sustainable lifestyles, benefiting both ourselves and society at large. May Allah grant us the wisdom and strength to be preservers rather than squanderers.