Hadith #2112

In the name of Allah, the Most Gracious, the Most Merciful. Praise be to Allah, the Lord of all worlds. May peace and blessings be upon our beloved Prophet Muhammad (ﷺ), his pure progeny, and his righteous companions.

The Arabic Hadith of Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) states, "لاصِحَّةَ مَعَ نَهَم۔" This can be translated as,

There is no [good] health with gluttony.

In this impactful Hadith, Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) highlights the detrimental effects of excessive eating on one's physical and spiritual well-being.

To better understand the significance of this Hadith, let us delve into the meanings of the key words. The word (sihhah) "صِحَّةَ" refers to good health, well-being, and soundness. It encompasses both the physical and spiritual aspects of a person's state. The word (ma'a) "مَعَ" means "with" or "alongside." Finally, the word (naham) "نَهَم" refers to gluttony, overindulgence in food, and excessive eating.

The Quran provides us with guidance on maintaining a balanced and moderate approach towards food and nourishment. 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 our consumption habits. It reminds us that while we are allowed to enjoy the blessings of food and drink, we should not indulge in excess. Excessive eating leads to various health problems, such as obesity, heart disease, and diabetes. Moreover, it can also have negative effects on our spiritual well-being, as it can lead to laziness, lack of focus in worship, and a neglect of our duties towards Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ).

Another verse that sheds light on the concept of moderation in eating is found in Surah Al-A'raf (7:32), where Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) says,

Say, 'Who has forbidden the adornment of Allah which He has produced for His servants and the good [lawful] things of provision?' Say, 'They are for those who believe during the worldly life [but] exclusively for them on the Day of Resurrection.' Thus do We detail the verses for a people who know.

This verse reminds us that the bounties and provisions of Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) are permissible for us to enjoy, but within the boundaries set by Him. We are encouraged to partake in lawful and wholesome sustenance, but we should not let our desires and appetites control us. By exercising self-control and moderation, we can maintain good health and fulfill our responsibilities as Muslims.

Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ), known for his wisdom and knowledge, highlights the importance of avoiding gluttony in this Hadith. Excessive eating not only harms our physical health but also has negative consequences on our spiritual well-being. It leads to a lack of self-discipline, weakens our resolve, and hinders our ability to engage in acts of worship with sincerity and focus.

By reflecting on this Hadith and the Quranic verses mentioned, we are reminded of the importance of moderation in all aspects of our lives, including our eating habits. We should strive to strike a balance between enjoying the blessings of food and drink while maintaining self-control and avoiding excess. This will not only contribute to our physical well-being but also enhance our spiritual connection with Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) and enable us to fulfill our duties as Muslims more effectively.

May Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) grant us the wisdom and strength to practice moderation in all aspects of our lives and bless us with good health, both physically and spiritually.