Hadith #9395

In the name of Allah, the Most Gracious, the Most Merciful. Praise be to Allah, the Lord of all the worlds. 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,

Milk is one of the two meats.

This concise statement holds profound wisdom and requires a deeper understanding in light of the Quran.

The word (laban) "لَبَن" in Arabic refers to milk, which is a nutritious and essential substance produced by mammals. It is a symbol of sustenance, growth, and nourishment. The word (lahm) "لَحْم" in Arabic means meat, which generally refers to the flesh of animals consumed as food.

To comprehend the significance of this Hadith, we can turn to the Quran for guidance. Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) mentions the benefits and blessings of milk in Surah An-Nahl, verse 66:

And indeed, for you in livestock is a lesson. We give you drink from what is in their bellies - between excretion and blood - pure milk, palatable to drinkers.

This verse highlights the purity and nourishment found in milk, emphasizing its importance as a source of sustenance. It serves as a reminder of Allah's bounties and His wisdom in creating such a beneficial substance for human consumption.

Furthermore, the Quran also emphasizes the significance of meat as a permissible source of food for Muslims. In Surah Al-Ma'idah, verse 1, Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) states,

O you who have believed, fulfill [all] contracts. Lawful for you are the animals of grazing livestock except for that which is recited to you [in this Qur'an] - hunting not being permitted while you are in the state of ihram.

This verse establishes the permissibility of consuming meat from permissible animals, highlighting the importance of meat as a source of nutrition and sustenance.

Now, let us delve into the deeper meaning of Imam Ali's statement. Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) was known for his profound knowledge and wisdom. In this Hadith, he draws our attention to the fact that milk, despite being a liquid, possesses qualities similar to meat. Just as meat provides nourishment and sustenance, milk also serves as a vital source of nutrition.

Imam Ali's statement encourages us to recognize the value and significance of milk as a source of sustenance. It reminds us that even though milk may not be considered a traditional form of meat, it possesses similar qualities and benefits. This Hadith encourages us to appreciate the diversity of Allah's creations and to acknowledge the various forms of sustenance He has provided for us.

Moreover, this Hadith also highlights the importance of moderation and balance in our dietary choices. It reminds us that while meat is permissible and beneficial, it should not be consumed excessively. Milk, on the other hand, serves as a healthier and lighter alternative that can provide similar benefits.

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

Milk is one of the two meats,

emphasizes the significance of milk as a source of sustenance and nutrition. It encourages us to appreciate the blessings of Allah and His wisdom in providing us with diverse forms of nourishment. This Hadith also reminds us of the importance of moderation in our dietary choices and encourages us to seek a balanced and healthy lifestyle. May Allah guide us to make wise choices in our consumption and grant us the ability to appreciate His bounties.