Hadith #4830

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 Hadith of Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) states,

لا غِنى مَعَ إسْراف۔

This Hadith can be translated as,

There is no affluence with extravagance.

Let us delve into the profound wisdom contained within these words and explore its implications in light of the Quran.

The word (ghina) "غِنى" in Arabic refers to wealth, affluence, or self-sufficiency. It signifies having an abundance of resources and being content with what one possesses. On the other hand, (israf) "إسْراف" means extravagance or wastefulness. It refers to exceeding the limits of moderation and indulging in unnecessary excesses.

This Hadith highlights the importance of moderation and balance in our lives. It teaches us that true affluence and prosperity are not achieved through extravagance and wastefulness. Instead, it emphasizes the value of contentment and utilizing resources wisely.

The Quran supports this teaching in multiple verses. In Surah Al-A'raf (7:31), Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) 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 go to extremes in our desires and actions.

Similarly, in Surah Al-Isra (17:29), 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 cautions against both miserliness and extravagance. It encourages us to strike a balance in our spending and avoid falling into financial difficulties.

Imam Ali's (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) Hadith serves as a reminder for Muslims to adopt a moderate lifestyle and avoid wastefulness. It encourages us to be mindful of our spending habits, ensuring that we do not squander our resources on unnecessary luxuries. By practicing moderation, we can maintain a healthy balance between our material needs and spiritual aspirations.

Extravagance not only leads to financial strain but also has detrimental effects on our character and society. It fosters a culture of greed, materialism, and dissatisfaction. Moreover, it perpetuates social inequalities and deprives those in need of their rightful share. By adhering to the teachings of this Hadith, Muslims can contribute to the well-being of their communities and promote a more equitable distribution of resources.

Reflecting on this Hadith, we should evaluate our own lifestyles and consumption patterns. Are we being mindful of our expenditures? Are we utilizing our resources wisely and in accordance with the teachings of Islam? By adopting a balanced approach, we can strive for both material well-being and spiritual fulfillment.

In conclusion, the Hadith of Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ),

There is no affluence with extravagance,

emphasizes the importance of moderation and avoiding wastefulness. It aligns with the teachings of the Quran, which encourage Muslims to strike a balance in their lives and be mindful of their consumption. By practicing moderation, we can attain true affluence and contribute to a more just and harmonious society. May Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) guide us in following the teachings of Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) and grant us success in this world and the Hereafter.