Hadith #4812

In the name of Allah, the Most Gracious, the Most Merciful. 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,

إنَّ مَنْعَ المُقْتَصِدِ أحْسَنُ مِنْ عَطاءِ المُبَذِّرِ۔

This Hadith emphasizes the virtue of being moderate in spending and refraining from extravagance. Let us delve into the deeper meaning of this Hadith in light of the Quran.

The word (man') "مَنْعَ" in the Hadith means "refusal" or "restraint." It signifies the act of holding back or abstaining from something. The term (al-muqtasid) "المُقْتَصِدِ" refers to a person who is moderate and balanced in their actions, particularly in terms of spending and consumption. On the other hand, (al-mubadhdhir) "المُبَذِّرِ" refers to someone who is extravagant and wasteful in their spending.

The Quran provides guidance on the importance of moderation and avoiding extravagance in several 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 highlights the need for moderation in all aspects of life, including spending and consumption. Allah dislikes those who indulge in excess and waste.

Another verse that supports the Hadith is found in Surah Al-Isra (17:29), where 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 extremes - being miserly and withholding one's wealth excessively, as well as being extravagant and spending recklessly. It encourages Muslims to strike a balance and avoid financial difficulties.

Imam Ali's (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) Hadith highlights the superiority of restraining oneself from excessive spending over indulging in wastefulness. The refusal of the economizer to spend unnecessarily is deemed better than the granting of the extravagant. This Hadith teaches us the importance of being mindful of our expenditures and avoiding extravagance, as it can lead to financial instability and wastage of resources.

By practicing moderation in spending, we can fulfill our needs and responsibilities while also preserving our wealth for future use and for the benefit of others. This approach aligns with the Islamic principle of (Indeed, the believers are brothers) "إِنَّمَا الْمُؤْمِنُونَ إِخْوَةٌ" mentioned in Surah Al-Hujurat (49:10). It reminds us of our duty to help those in need and contribute to the welfare of society.

Moreover, Imam Ali's (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) emphasis on moderation and restraint in spending reflects his profound knowledge and wisdom. As the cousin and son-in-law of Prophet Muhammad (ﷺ), Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) was known for his exceptional understanding of Islam and his ability to apply its teachings in practical matters. His guidance in this Hadith serves as a timeless reminder for Muslims to adopt a balanced approach in their financial affairs.

In conclusion, the Hadith of Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) teaches us the virtue of moderation in spending and the importance of refraining from extravagance. It aligns with the Quranic teachings that encourage Muslims to strike a balance in all aspects of life, including their financial matters. By practicing moderation, we can maintain financial stability, preserve resources, and fulfill our obligations towards others. May Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) grant us the wisdom to follow this guidance and lead a balanced and righteous life.