Hadith #5194

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 progeny, and his noble companions.

The Arabic Hadith of Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) states, "ضادُّوا الشَّرَهَ بِالعِفَّةِ۔" This can be translated as,

Counter voraciousness with chastity [and moderation].

Let us delve into the connotation of this Hadith in light of the Quran.

The word (daddu) "ضادُّوا" in the Hadith means to counter or oppose. It implies the need to resist or combat something. In this context, it refers to opposing or countering the negative trait of voraciousness or excessive desire. Voraciousness is an insatiable hunger or craving for something, often leading to excessive indulgence and imbalance in one's life.

Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) advises us to counter this voraciousness with (al-'iffah) "العِفَّةِ", which can be translated as chastity or moderation. Chastity refers to restraining oneself from indulging in excessive desires and maintaining a balanced approach in life. It encompasses self-control, modesty, and avoiding excesses in all aspects of life.

To understand the significance of this advice, we can turn to the Quran for guidance. Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) says in Surah Al-Isra (17:32),

And do not approach unlawful sexual intercourse. Indeed, it is ever an immorality and is evil as a way.

This verse emphasizes the importance of chastity and self-restraint in matters of sexual desires. It teaches us to counter the temptation of unlawful indulgence with the virtue of chastity.

Furthermore, in Surah Al-A'raf (7:33), Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) warns against excessive indulgence and extravagance. He says,

Say, 'My Lord has only forbidden immoralities - what is apparent of them and what is concealed - and sin, and oppression without right, and that you associate with Allah that for which He has not sent down authority, and that you say about Allah that which you do not know.'

This verse highlights the importance of moderation in all aspects of life, including our desires and consumption. It cautions against excessive indulgence, which can lead to immorality and oppression. By countering voraciousness with chastity and moderation, we can maintain a balanced and righteous lifestyle.

Imam Ali's (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) advice is not limited to physical desires but extends to all aspects of our lives. It encourages us to exercise self-control and moderation in our consumption of food, wealth, and even our emotions. By practicing moderation, we can avoid the pitfalls of excess and maintain a harmonious balance in our lives.

For example, in Surah Al-Furqan (25:67), Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) describes the qualities of the servants of the Most Merciful. Among these qualities is their moderation in their spending. Allah says,

And [they are] those who, when they spend, do so not excessively or sparingly but are ever, between that, [justly] moderate.

This verse emphasizes the importance of moderation in our financial matters. It encourages us to strike a balance between spending excessively and being miserly. By practicing moderation in our spending, we can avoid falling into the trap of materialism and greed.

In conclusion, the Hadith of Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) advises us to counter voraciousness with chastity and moderation. It urges us to exercise self-control and maintain a balanced approach in all aspects of our lives. By following this advice, we can avoid the pitfalls of excess and strive towards a righteous and harmonious lifestyle. May Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) grant us the wisdom and strength to implement this guidance in our lives.