Hadith #5052

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

The Hadith of Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) states,

لا فِطْنَةَ مَعَ بِطْنَة۔

This concise statement carries a impactful message about the relationship between astuteness and gluttony. Let us delve into the meanings of the key words in this Hadith to better understand its implications.

The word (fitnah) "فِطْنَةَ" refers to astuteness, intelligence, or discernment. It is the ability to perceive and understand things deeply and accurately. It encompasses wisdom, insight, and the ability to make sound judgments. Astuteness is a quality that enables individuals to navigate through life's challenges and make wise decisions.

On the other hand, (butnah) "بِطْنَة" refers to gluttony or excessive indulgence in food. It signifies an insatiable desire for consumption, often leading to overeating and neglecting the moderation that Islam encourages in all aspects of life.

To comprehend the significance of this Hadith, we turn to the Quran for guidance. 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 emphasizes the importance of moderation in all aspects of life, including eating and drinking. Islam encourages us to enjoy the blessings of food and drink but warns against excessive indulgence. Gluttony not only harms our physical health but also affects our spiritual well-being. It leads to a lack of self-control and hinders the development of astuteness.

Furthermore, in Surah Al-Isra (17:29), Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) advises,

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 extravagance and wastefulness. When we indulge in gluttony, we become slaves to our desires and lose control over our actions. This lack of self-discipline prevents us from attaining the level of astuteness that is required to make wise decisions and navigate the complexities of life successfully.

Imam Ali's (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) Hadith highlights the incompatibility between astuteness and gluttony. When we prioritize our physical desires and overindulge in food, we compromise our ability to think clearly and make sound judgments. Our minds become clouded, and our ability to perceive the truth and make wise choices is diminished.

Astuteness, on the other hand, is a quality that Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) possessed in abundance. His knowledge, wisdom, and insight were renowned, and he was known for his ability to discern the truth in any situation. By abstaining from gluttony and practicing moderation, Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) was able to cultivate his astuteness and utilize it for the benefit of the Muslim ummah.

The consequences of neglecting this advice are far-reaching. Gluttony not only affects our physical health but also impacts our spiritual growth. It hampers our ability to develop astuteness and make wise decisions. We become slaves to our desires, unable to exercise self-control and discipline. This lack of moderation can lead to various negative consequences, such as obesity, health problems, and a diminished capacity for intellectual and spiritual growth.

Reflecting on this Hadith, Muslims are reminded of the importance of moderation in all aspects of life. We should strive to strike a balance between our physical needs and our spiritual aspirations. By practicing self-discipline and avoiding excessive indulgence, we can cultivate astuteness and wisdom, enabling us to make sound decisions and navigate the challenges of life successfully.

In conclusion, the Hadith of Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) serves as a reminder to Muslims about the incompatibility between astuteness and gluttony. By practicing moderation and avoiding excessive indulgence, we can develop our astuteness and make wise decisions. Let us strive to follow the teachings of Islam and cultivate a balanced approach to life, both physically and spiritually. May Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) grant us the wisdom to understand and implement this valuable lesson.