Hadith #5972

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 Arabic Hadith of Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) states:

قَلَّ مَنْ أكْثَرَ مِنْ فُضُولِ الطَّعامِ إلاّ لَزِمَتْهُ الأسْقامُ۔

This can be translated as:

Seldom does one increase his consumption of excess foods without getting afflicted by sicknesses.

Let us delve into the deeper meaning of this wise utterance of Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) in light of the Quran. The key words in this Hadith are (excess foods) "فُضُولِ الطَّعامِ" and (sicknesses) "الأسْقامُ".

The term "فُضُولِ الطَّعامِ" refers to the act of indulging in excessive and unnecessary consumption of food. It highlights the negative consequences of overeating and overindulgence. This excessive consumption goes beyond the basic needs of sustenance and leads to various physical and spiritual ailments.

To understand the significance of this Hadith, we can turn to the Quran for guidance. In Surah Al-A'raf (7:31), Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) warns against excessiveness in all matters, including food:

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 our eating habits. Indulging in excess food not only harms our physical health but also has detrimental effects on our spiritual well-being. It leads to a lack of self-control and can divert our attention from the remembrance of Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ).

Furthermore, in Surah Al-A'raf (7:57), Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) describes the consequences of transgressing the limits set by Him:

And He sends down rain from the sky, and the valleys flow according to their capacity, and the torrent carries a rising foam. And from that [ore] which they heat in the fire, desiring adornments and utensils, is a foam like it. Thus Allah presents [the example of] truth and falsehood. As for the foam, it vanishes, [being] cast off; but as for that which benefits the people, it remains on the earth. Thus does Allah present examples.

This verse highlights the fleeting nature of excessive desires and indulgences. Just as the foam on the surface of a river disappears, so do the temporary pleasures derived from excessive consumption. On the other hand, that which benefits and sustains the people remains, symbolizing the importance of moderation and balance in our actions.

Imam Ali's (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) statement also draws our attention to the consequences of overindulgence, which he describes as (sicknesses) "الأسْقامُ". This term encompasses both physical and spiritual ailments that arise as a result of excessive consumption. Overeating can lead to obesity, heart diseases, and other health issues. Moreover, it can also affect our mental and emotional well-being, leading to a lack of focus, lethargy, and even spiritual stagnation.

The Quranic verse in Surah Al-A'raf (7:168) warns against following one's desires and indulging in excess:

And [mention] the Day when He will gather them and say, 'O company of jinn, you have [misled] many of mankind.' And their allies among mankind will say, 'Our Lord, some of us made use of others, and we have [now] reached our term, which You appointed for us.' He will say, 'The Fire is your residence, wherein you will abide eternally, except for what Allah wills. Indeed, your Lord is Wise and Knowing.'

This verse serves as a reminder of the consequences of following our desires without restraint. Indulging in excessive consumption can lead us astray from the path of righteousness and result in severe consequences in the hereafter.

Imam Ali's (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) statement serves as a profound reminder for Muslims to practice moderation in all aspects of life, including our eating habits. By controlling our desires and avoiding excessive consumption, we can maintain a balanced and healthy lifestyle, both physically and spiritually.

In conclusion, Imam Ali's (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) Hadith warns against the negative consequences of indulging in excess foods. This statement aligns with the Quranic teachings of moderation and self-control in all aspects of life. By practicing moderation in our eating habits, we can protect ourselves from physical and spiritual ailments, and lead a balanced and fulfilling life as Muslims. May Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) grant us the wisdom and strength to follow the teachings of the Quran and the Ahl al-Bayt (عَلَيْهِمُ ٱلسَّلَامُ).