Hadith #5057

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

The Hadith of Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) states,

When the stomach gets filled with the permissible, the heart becomes blind to righteousness.

This thought-provoking saying highlights the importance of moderation and self-control in our consumption of permissible things.

Let us first delve into the key words of this Hadith. The word (batn) "بَطْنُ" refers to the stomach, while (mubah) "مُباحِ" signifies that which is permissible according to Islamic law. The phrase (‘amiya al-qalb) "عَمِيَ الْقَلْبُ" translates to

the heart becomes blind.

It implies that the heart loses its ability to discern between right and wrong, becoming heedless of righteousness.

To understand the deeper meaning of this Hadith, we can turn to the Quran for guidance. Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) says in Surah Al-A'raf (7:32),

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 emphasizes that Allah has created the permissible things in this world as a means of sustenance for His servants. However, it is crucial to maintain a balanced approach and not become engrossed in the pursuit of material pleasures. When one excessively indulges in permissible things, such as food, drink, or worldly desires, the heart becomes preoccupied with these temporary pleasures, blinding it to the importance of righteousness and spiritual growth.

Another verse that supports the message of this Hadith is found in Surah Al-Isra (17:29), where Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) states,

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

This verse warns against extravagance and excessive consumption. When one becomes enslaved to their desires and allows their stomach to dictate their actions, they lose control over their own selves. This loss of self-control leads to blame and insolvency, both in the material and spiritual sense.

Reflecting on the Hadith of Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ), we realize that it serves as a reminder to Muslims to maintain moderation and self-discipline in their lives. While it is permissible to enjoy the blessings provided by Allah, we must not allow our desires to overpower us. By exercising restraint and being mindful of our consumption, we can ensure that our hearts remain focused on righteousness and the pursuit of spiritual growth.

The consequences of disregarding this advice are manifold. When the heart becomes blind to righteousness, one may fall into the trap of indulging in impermissible actions. This can lead to a decline in moral values, a neglect of religious obligations, and a loss of connection with Allah. Moreover, excessive consumption can also have negative effects on one's physical and mental well-being, leading to health issues and a lack of contentment.

Therefore, Muslims should strive to strike a balance in their lives, ensuring that their consumption of permissible things remains within the limits prescribed by Allah. By doing so, they can maintain a clear vision of righteousness and fulfill their duties towards Allah and their fellow human beings. May Allah grant us the wisdom and strength to follow the teachings of Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) and lead a life of moderation and righteousness.