Hadith #1738

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 Arabic Hadith of Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) states,

لَيْسَ كُلُّ مُجْمِل بِمَحْرُوم۔

This can be translated as,

Not everyone who is moderate in seeking [his livelihood] is deprived.

Let us delve into the meaning of this Hadith and its implications in light of the Quran. The key word in this Hadith is (moderate) "مُجْمِل", which refers to someone who strikes a balance in their efforts and actions. This moderation can be applied to various aspects of life, including seeking a livelihood, managing relationships, and practicing religion.

In the Quran, Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) encourages moderation in various aspects of life. For example, in Surah Al-Baqarah, verse 143, Allah says,

And thus We have made you a just community that you will be witnesses over the people and the Messenger will be a witness over you.

This verse emphasizes the importance of being a just and moderate community, which includes seeking a balanced livelihood.

Furthermore, in Surah Al-A'raf, verse 31, Allah advises the believers,

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 highlights the importance of moderation in all aspects of life, including seeking sustenance.

Imam Ali's (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) Hadith reminds us that being moderate in seeking our livelihood does not lead to deprivation. In fact, Allah's blessings are not limited to those who excessively strive for material wealth. Rather, those who strike a balance and are content with what Allah has provided for them will also be blessed.

This Hadith serves as a reminder for Muslims to avoid extremes in their pursuit of wealth. It encourages us to adopt a balanced approach, where we work diligently and seek halal means of sustenance, but also trust in Allah's provision and be content with what He has decreed for us.

Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) was known for his profound knowledge and wisdom. His statement in this Hadith reflects his deep understanding of the Quranic teachings and his ability to provide practical guidance for the Muslim community.

By practicing moderation in seeking our livelihood, we can avoid the negative consequences of excessive materialism, such as greed, envy, and neglect of our spiritual well-being. Instead, we can focus on developing a balanced and holistic approach to life, where we prioritize our relationship with Allah and strive for success in both this world and the Hereafter.

In conclusion, the Hadith of Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) reminds us of the importance of moderation in seeking our livelihood. It encourages us to strike a balance between our worldly pursuits and our spiritual obligations. By doing so, we can avoid deprivation and attain the blessings and contentment that come from aligning our actions with the teachings of the Quran. May Allah guide us all to the path of moderation and bless us with success in this life and the Hereafter.