Hadith #2191

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,

The judicious person is one who discards [excessive] expenses and luxuries.

This Hadith emphasizes the importance of moderation and self-restraint in matters of wealth and material possessions. Let us delve into the deeper meaning of this Hadith in light of the Quran.

The word "al-hazim" in Arabic refers to a person who possesses the quality of being judicious, wise, and prudent. It implies the ability to make sound decisions and exercise self-control. This quality is highly regarded in Islam, as it helps individuals maintain balance and avoid extremes in various aspects of life.

The Hadith highlights the importance of discarding excessive expenses and luxuries. It encourages Muslims to adopt a moderate lifestyle and avoid indulging in unnecessary extravagance. This does not mean that one should live in poverty or deprive themselves of basic needs. Rather, it emphasizes the need to strike a balance between fulfilling one's needs and desires without falling into excessive materialism.

The Quran provides several verses that support the concept of moderation and avoiding extravagance. In Surah Al-A'raf (7:31), Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) says,

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 reminds us that while we are allowed to enjoy the blessings of this world, we should not go to extremes in our desires and consumption.

Furthermore, in Surah Al-Isra (17:29), Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) advises,

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 both miserliness and extravagance, emphasizing the importance of finding a balanced approach in matters of wealth and spending.

Imam Ali's (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) Hadith encourages Muslims to reflect upon their spending habits and evaluate whether they are truly necessary or if they are driven by materialistic desires. By discarding excessive expenses and luxuries, one can free themselves from the burden of unnecessary debt and financial strain. This practice allows individuals to focus on more meaningful pursuits, such as seeking knowledge, helping others, and engaging in acts of worship.

Moreover, adopting a moderate lifestyle has numerous positive consequences. It promotes financial stability and prevents individuals from falling into the trap of materialism and consumerism. It also cultivates a sense of gratitude and contentment, as one learns to appreciate the blessings they already have rather than constantly seeking more.

Additionally, Imam Ali's (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) Hadith serves as a reminder of the importance of self-discipline and self-control. By practicing moderation in our spending, we develop the ability to resist temptations and avoid falling into the trap of excessive desires. This self-discipline extends beyond financial matters and can be applied to various aspects of our lives, including our relationships, emotions, and spiritual journey.

In conclusion, the Hadith of Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) teaches us the significance of being judicious and discarding excessive expenses and luxuries. It encourages Muslims to adopt a moderate lifestyle, striking a balance between fulfilling their needs and desires without falling into materialistic excess. By practicing moderation, we can attain financial stability, cultivate gratitude, and develop self-discipline. May Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) grant us the wisdom to follow this guidance and lead a balanced and fulfilling life.