Hadith #5490

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 pure progeny, and his noble companions.

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

One whose lust increases, [the expense for] his provision becomes heavy.

Let us delve into the deeper meanings of this wise utterance in light of the Quran.

The word (shahwah) "شَهْوَةُ" in Arabic refers to desires or lusts. It encompasses various types of desires, including physical desires, such as those related to food, drink, and sexual desires, as well as emotional and psychological desires. The word (mu'nah) "مَؤُنَةُ" refers to provision or sustenance. It signifies the resources and means necessary to fulfill one's desires and needs.

This Hadith highlights the relationship between one's desires and the burden it places on their provision. When a person's desires and lusts increase without moderation or control, it leads to excessive consumption and expenditure. This, in turn, burdens their provision, making it heavy and difficult to sustain.

The Quran provides us with several verses that shed light on the consequences of unchecked desires and the importance of moderation. Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) says in Surah Al-Isra (17:32),

And do not approach unlawful sexual intercourse. Indeed, it is ever an immorality and is evil as a way.

This verse emphasizes the need to control and restrain one's sexual desires, as indulging in unlawful acts not only leads to moral degradation but also has negative consequences on one's provision and overall well-being.

Furthermore, in Surah Al-Qasas (28:77), Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) warns against excessive consumption and extravagance, saying,

But seek, through that which Allah has given you, the home of the Hereafter; and [yet], do not forget your share of the world. And do good as Allah has done good to you. And desire not corruption in the land. Indeed, Allah does not like corrupters.

This verse reminds us to strike a balance between our worldly desires and our spiritual aspirations. It cautions against forgetting our share of the world, indicating that excessive indulgence in worldly desires can lead to corruption and imbalance in our lives.

Imam Ali's (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) statement serves as a reminder for Muslims to exercise self-control and moderation in fulfilling their desires. When one's desires are left unchecked, they can lead to wastefulness, extravagance, and an unnecessary burden on one's provision. This burden can manifest in various forms, such as financial difficulties, strained relationships, and even spiritual emptiness.

For example, excessive indulgence in food and drink can lead to health problems, financial strain, and a lack of self-discipline. Similarly, uncontrolled sexual desires can lead to immoral behavior, broken families, and emotional turmoil. By exercising moderation and self-restraint, Muslims can maintain a balanced and harmonious lifestyle, ensuring that their provision remains manageable and their desires are fulfilled within the boundaries set by Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ).

In conclusion, the Hadith of Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) serves as a profound reminder for Muslims to control their desires and exercise moderation. By doing so, they can maintain a balanced and sustainable lifestyle, ensuring that their provision remains manageable and their desires are fulfilled in a way that is pleasing to Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ). May Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) grant us the wisdom and strength to control our desires and seek His pleasure in all aspects of our lives.