Hadith #8678

In the name of Allah, the Most Gracious, the Most Merciful. May peace and blessings be upon the Prophet Muhammad (ﷺ), his purified progeny, and his noble companions.

The hadith of Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) emphasizes the importance of moderation in one's actions and desires. The word (qasd) "قَصْدِ" in the hadith refers to moderation, balance, and avoiding extremes. It is the act of choosing the middle path, steering away from excessiveness and deficiency. Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) advises Muslims to adopt moderation in all aspects of life, as it is the key to attaining a fruitful and successful life.

The hadith further states that moderation is the most helpful thing in attaining a fruitful life. This means that by practicing moderation, one can achieve a balanced and harmonious life, both in this world and in the hereafter. Moderation allows individuals to strike a balance between their worldly responsibilities and their spiritual obligations. It enables them to fulfill their duties towards themselves, their families, and society, while also maintaining a strong connection with Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ).

To support the importance of moderation, we find numerous verses in the Quran that emphasize the concept of balance and avoiding extremes. Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) says in Surah Al-Baqarah, verse 143:

And thus We have made you a just community that you will be witnesses over the people and the Messenger will be a witness over you.

This verse highlights the importance of being a just and balanced community, as it is a characteristic that distinguishes Muslims and allows them to be witnesses over others.

Another verse that emphasizes moderation is found in Surah Al-Hajj, verse 78:

And strive for Allah with the striving due to Him. He has chosen you and has not placed upon you in the religion any difficulty.

This verse encourages Muslims to strive in the path of Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) with a balanced and moderate effort. It reminds us that Islam is a religion of ease and not one of excessive hardship.

The consequences of disregarding moderation and prioritizing one's desires over faith are highlighted in the second part of the hadith. Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) states that a person will never be destroyed until he prefers his lust over his faith. This means that when an individual allows their desires to take precedence over their religious obligations, they are putting themselves at risk of spiritual destruction.

Choosing lust over faith can lead to a person deviating from the path of righteousness, indulging in sinful behavior, and neglecting their religious duties. This can have severe consequences not only in this world but also in the hereafter. By prioritizing temporary worldly pleasures over the eternal rewards of faith, individuals risk losing their spiritual connection with Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) and jeopardizing their ultimate salvation.

To illustrate the importance of prioritizing faith over desires, we can look at the example of Prophet Yusuf (Joseph) (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) in the Quran. When faced with the temptation of Zulaykha, he chose to prioritize his faith and fear of Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) over his desires. This act of self-control and devotion to Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) not only saved him from committing a sin but also elevated his status in the eyes of Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ).

In conclusion, the hadith of Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) emphasizes the importance of moderation and balance in all aspects of life. By practicing moderation, individuals can achieve a fruitful and successful life, both in this world and in the hereafter. Prioritizing faith over desires is crucial in maintaining a strong connection with Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) and safeguarding oneself from spiritual destruction. May Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) guide us all to follow the path of moderation and grant us success in this life and the hereafter.