Hadith #4828

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 Arabic Hadith of Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) states,

ما فَوْقَ الكَفافِ إسْرافٌ۔

This can be translated as,

That which is above sufficiency is extravagance.

In this concise statement, Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) highlights the importance of moderation and avoiding excess in our lives.

To understand the deeper meaning of this Hadith, let us examine the key words used. The word (kafaaf) "كَفافِ" refers to sufficiency or having enough to meet one's needs. It implies a balanced and moderate approach to life, where one has what is necessary without indulging in unnecessary extravagance. On the other hand, the word (israaf) "إسْرافٌ" denotes extravagance or going beyond what is necessary or appropriate.

The Quran provides us with several verses that support the wisdom behind Imam Ali's statement. 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 emphasizes the importance of moderation in our actions, including our consumption of food, drink, and material possessions. Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) dislikes those who engage in excessive behavior.

Similarly, in Surah Al-Isra (17:29), Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) warns against extravagance and 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 being wasteful with our resources, as it can lead to financial difficulties and societal disapproval.

Imam Ali's (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) statement serves as a reminder for Muslims to adopt a balanced approach in all aspects of life. It encourages us to strive for sufficiency and contentment, rather than constantly seeking more and indulging in excess. By adhering to this principle, we can avoid the pitfalls of extravagance, which can lead to financial burdens, societal imbalance, and spiritual detachment.

In practical terms, this Hadith urges us to assess our needs and desires, distinguishing between what is necessary and what is excessive. It calls us to be mindful of our spending habits, ensuring that we do not waste our resources on unnecessary luxuries. It also reminds us to be grateful for the blessings we have been bestowed with, rather than constantly seeking more and never being satisfied.

Moreover, this Hadith has broader implications beyond material possessions. It encourages us to adopt a moderate approach in all aspects of our lives, including our relationships, emotions, and actions. By avoiding extremes and practicing moderation, we can maintain balance and harmony in our lives, fostering a sense of inner peace and contentment.

In conclusion, the Hadith of Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) serves as a profound reminder for Muslims to embrace moderation and avoid extravagance. It encourages us to seek sufficiency and contentment in all aspects of our lives, be it material possessions, relationships, or actions. By adhering to this principle, we can lead balanced and fulfilling lives, pleasing Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) and embodying the teachings of our beloved Prophet Muhammad (ﷺ) and his noble family. May Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) guide us all on the path of moderation and grant us the wisdom to distinguish between sufficiency and extravagance.