Hadith #8685

In the name of Allah, the Most Gracious, the Most Merciful. All praise is due to Allah, the Lord of all worlds. May peace and blessings be upon our beloved Prophet Muhammad (ﷺ), his pure Ahl al-Bayt, and his noble companions.

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

مَنِ اقْتَصَدَ خَفَّتْ عَلَيْهِ المُؤَنُ۔

This Hadith can be translated as,

Whoever is moderate, the burden of his expenses is lightened.

In this Hadith, there are two important words that require our attention. The first word is (iqtasada) "اقْتَصَدَ", which means to be moderate or to practice moderation. It refers to the act of avoiding extravagance and wastefulness in one's spending and lifestyle. The second word is (al-mu'an) "المُؤَنُ", which refers to the burden or weight of expenses.

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 ayah emphasizes the importance of moderation in all aspects of life, including our spending habits. Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) encourages us to enjoy the blessings He has provided for us, but warns against going to extremes. Extravagance and wastefulness are not pleasing to Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ), and they can lead to financial burdens and difficulties.

Furthermore, 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 ayah advises us against being miserly or stingy, as well as being extravagant. Both extremes can lead to negative consequences, including financial hardships.

Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) reminds us of the importance of moderation in our expenses. By practicing moderation, we can avoid the heavy burden of excessive spending and financial strain. When we are moderate in our lifestyle, we are able to live within our means and avoid falling into debt or financial difficulties.

For example, if a person spends beyond their means, they may accumulate debt and struggle to meet their financial obligations. This can lead to stress, anxiety, and even strained relationships. On the other hand, if a person practices moderation and lives within their means, they can enjoy a more balanced and peaceful life.

Moreover, practicing moderation in our expenses allows us to fulfill our obligations towards our families, communities, and society as a whole. When we are not burdened by excessive financial commitments, we are able to allocate our resources towards charitable causes, helping those in need, and contributing to the betterment of society.

In conclusion, the Hadith of Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) reminds us of the importance of moderation in our expenses. By avoiding extravagance and practicing moderation, we can lighten the burden of our expenses and lead a more balanced and fulfilling life. This teaching aligns perfectly with the Quranic principles of avoiding excess and maintaining financial stability. May Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) grant us the wisdom and strength to practice moderation in all aspects of our lives.