Hadith #8689

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

The Hadith of Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) states, "لاهَلاكَ مَعَ اقْتِصاد۔" This powerful statement can be translated as,

There is no ruin with moderation.

Let us delve into the significance of this Hadith and explore its implications in the light of the Quran.

The word "لاهَلاكَ" in Arabic refers to destruction, ruin, or perishing. It signifies a state of complete devastation and loss. On the other hand, the word "اقْتِصاد۔" means moderation, balance, and restraint. It denotes the act of managing resources wisely and avoiding excess or extravagance.

To understand the significance of this Hadith, we can turn to the Quran for guidance. Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) repeatedly emphasizes the importance of moderation and balance in various aspects of life. For instance, in Surah Al-A'raf (7:31), Allah 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 highlights the need for moderation in our consumption of food, drink, and material possessions. It warns against indulging in excess, as it can lead to harmful consequences and spiritual ruin. Similarly, in Surah Al-Isra (17:29), Allah advises,

And do not make your hand [as] chained to your neck or extend it completely and [thereby] become blamed and insolvent.

Here, Allah cautions against both stinginess and extravagance. He encourages us to strike a balance in our spending and to avoid being overly frugal or wasteful. This moderation ensures financial stability and protects us from falling into debt or poverty.

Imam Ali's (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) Hadith echoes these Quranic teachings by emphasizing the importance of moderation in all aspects of life. It serves as a reminder that excessive behavior, whether in matters of wealth, desires, or actions, can lead to ruin and destruction.

Let us reflect on some practical examples to better understand the consequences of immoderation. When it comes to wealth, excessive spending and living beyond one's means can lead to debt, financial instability, and even bankruptcy. On the other hand, excessive stinginess and hoarding can deprive others of their rights and hinder the circulation of wealth in society.

In matters of desires, indulging in excessive eating, drinking, or other worldly pleasures can harm our physical and spiritual well-being. It can lead to health issues, addiction, and a neglect of our spiritual obligations. Conversely, depriving ourselves of basic needs and denying ourselves the permissible pleasures of life can also have negative consequences, such as physical weakness and a lack of contentment.

Furthermore, immoderation in our actions and behavior can lead to harmful consequences. For example, excessive anger can lead to aggression and violence, while excessive leniency can result in negligence and irresponsibility. Striking a balance and practicing moderation in our conduct ensures that we maintain harmony in our relationships and fulfill our duties and responsibilities.

Imam Ali's (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) impactful saying serves as a timeless reminder for Muslims to adopt a moderate approach in all aspects of life. It urges us to avoid extremes and find the middle path, as prescribed by Allah in the Quran. By practicing moderation, we protect ourselves from ruin, maintain balance in our lives, and fulfill our obligations towards Allah and humanity.

May Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) grant us the wisdom and strength to embody the teachings of moderation in our lives. May we strive to strike a balance in our actions, desires, and relationships, and may we be protected from the perils of excess and immoderation. Ameen.