Hadith #2119

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 provided Hadith of Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) states, "الشَّرِهُ لايَرْضى۔" which translates to

The glutton is never satisfied.

This concise statement by Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) highlights the insatiable nature of a person who indulges excessively in food and drink.

To understand the profound wisdom behind this statement, let us delve into the meanings of the key words. The term "الشَّرِهُ" refers to a person who is excessively greedy and indulgent in satisfying their appetite. This individual constantly seeks to consume more than what is necessary for their sustenance. The word "لايَرْضى" denotes the inability of such a person to ever feel content or satisfied, regardless of how much they eat or drink.

This Hadith aligns with the teachings of the Quran, which repeatedly emphasizes moderation and self-control in matters of consumption. 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.

Furthermore, in Surah Al-Isra (17:29), Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) warns against extravagance and says,

And do not make your hand [as] chained to your neck or extend it completely and [thereby] become blamed and insolvent.

The Hadith of Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) serves as a reminder to Muslims about the importance of practicing moderation and self-restraint in all aspects of life, including our consumption habits. It highlights the negative consequences of gluttony, both on an individual and societal level.

Excessive indulgence in food and drink can lead to various physical and spiritual ailments. It can harm one's health, leading to obesity, heart diseases, and other medical conditions. Moreover, it can also have detrimental effects on one's character, such as greed, selfishness, and a lack of self-discipline.

On a societal level, the prevalence of gluttony can contribute to the wastage of resources and the exacerbation of inequalities. When individuals prioritize their own desires over the needs of others, it leads to an imbalanced distribution of wealth and resources, depriving those who are less fortunate.

Reflecting on this Hadith, Muslims are encouraged to adopt a balanced approach to their consumption habits. We should strive to eat and drink in moderation, being grateful for the sustenance provided by Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ). By doing so, we can maintain good health, cultivate self-discipline, and contribute to a more equitable society.

In conclusion, the Hadith of Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) serves as a timeless reminder for Muslims to avoid excessive indulgence and to practice moderation in all aspects of life. By adhering to the teachings of the Quran and the guidance of the Ahl al-Bayt (عَلَيْهِمُ ٱلسَّلَامُ), we can strive towards a balanced and fulfilling lifestyle that is pleasing to Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ). May Allah grant us the wisdom and strength to follow the path of moderation and self-control.