Hadith #130

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,

مَا عَالَ مَنِ اقْتَصَدَ۔

This can be translated into English as,

He who is moderate does not become destitute.

This concise statement by Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) holds profound wisdom and guidance for Muslims in their pursuit of a balanced and prosperous life.

To understand the meaning of this Hadith, let us delve into the key words used. The word (iqtasada) "اقْتَصَدَ" is derived from the root word (qasada) "قَصَدَ", which means to be moderate, balanced, or moderate in spending and consumption. It implies avoiding extravagance and wastefulness, while also refraining from being miserly or excessively frugal.

The Hadith emphasizes the importance of moderation in all aspects of life, particularly in matters of wealth and resources. It encourages Muslims to strike a balance between spending and saving, avoiding both extremes of extravagance and destitution. This moderation is not only beneficial for individual well-being but also for the overall welfare of society.

The Quran provides numerous verses that support the concept of moderation and balance in various aspects of life. 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 verse highlights the importance of moderation in matters of consumption, reminding Muslims to enjoy the blessings of Allah but without crossing the limits of moderation.

Furthermore, in Surah Al-Baqarah (2:195), Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) says,

And spend in the way of Allah and do not throw [yourselves] with your [own] hands into destruction [by refraining].

This verse encourages Muslims to spend in the way of Allah, but not to the extent that it leads to their own destruction or destitution. It emphasizes the need for moderation and balance in charitable giving and financial matters.

Imam Ali's (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) Hadith serves as a practical guide for Muslims to maintain a balanced approach in their financial affairs. It advises against excessive spending, which can lead to financial difficulties and destitution. At the same time, it cautions against extreme frugality, which may hinder personal growth and prevent one from fulfilling their responsibilities towards themselves and others.

By practicing moderation, Muslims can achieve financial stability and avoid the pitfalls of both extravagance and destitution. Moderation allows individuals to meet their needs, fulfill their obligations, and contribute to the welfare of society. It fosters a sense of contentment, gratitude, and responsibility towards the blessings bestowed upon them by Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ).

For example, a person who spends excessively on luxurious items and indulges in unnecessary expenses may find themselves in a state of financial distress. On the other hand, someone who is excessively frugal and refuses to spend on their basic needs or fulfill their obligations may suffer from a lack of personal growth and hinder their ability to contribute positively to society.

The Hadith of Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) serves as a reminder for Muslims to strike a balance between their desires and needs, to spend wisely, and to avoid both extravagance and destitution. It encourages individuals to be mindful of their financial decisions, to prioritize their obligations, and to be grateful for the blessings bestowed upon them by Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ).

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

He who is moderate does not become destitute

emphasizes the importance of moderation and balance in all aspects of life, particularly in matters of wealth and resources. It encourages Muslims to avoid both extravagance and destitution, and to strike a balance between spending and saving. By practicing moderation, Muslims can achieve financial stability, fulfill their obligations, and contribute to the welfare of society. May Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) guide us all to follow the path of moderation and bless us with prosperity in this world and the Hereafter.