Hadith #5676

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, "لاتَجْتَمِعُ الصِّحَّةُ والنَّهَمُ۔" This Hadith can be translated as,

Good health and gluttony do not go together.

Let us delve into the meaning of the key words in this Hadith. (sihhatu) "صِّحَّةُ" refers to good health, well-being, and soundness. It encompasses physical, mental, and spiritual health. (naham) "النَّهَمُ" refers to gluttony, excessive eating, and indulgence in food without moderation. It implies an insatiable desire for food and overconsumption.

To understand the significance of this Hadith, we can turn to the Quran for guidance. 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.

This verse emphasizes the importance of moderation in all aspects of life, including eating and drinking. Allah encourages us to enjoy the blessings of food and drink but warns against excessiveness. Gluttony goes against the teachings of Islam, as it leads to negative consequences for both our physical and spiritual well-being.

Excessive eating can have detrimental effects on our health. It can lead to obesity, heart disease, diabetes, and other health issues. Islam teaches us to take care of our bodies, as they are entrusted to us by Allah. The Prophet Muhammad (ﷺ) said, (Sunan Ibn Majah)

The son of Adam does not fill any vessel worse than his stomach. It is sufficient for the son of Adam to eat a few mouthfuls to keep him going, but if he must (fill his stomach), then one-third for his food, one-third for his drink, and one-third for air.

Furthermore, gluttony can have negative spiritual consequences. It can lead to a lack of self-control and indulgence in worldly desires. The Quran warns against following one's desires excessively, as it can lead us away from the path of righteousness. Allah says in Surah Al-Qasas (28:50),

But if they do not respond to you - then know that they only follow their [own] desires. And who is more astray than one who follows his desire without guidance from Allah?

Indulging in excessive eating can also lead to a neglect of our spiritual duties. When we prioritize our desires over our obligations, we risk distancing ourselves from Allah and neglecting our prayers, fasting, and other acts of worship.

Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ), known for his deep knowledge and wisdom, reminds us in this Hadith that good health and gluttony cannot coexist. When we prioritize our health and practice moderation in our eating habits, we not only take care of our physical well-being but also strengthen our spiritual connection with Allah.

In conclusion, the Hadith of Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) serves as a reminder for Muslims to maintain good health and avoid gluttony. It emphasizes the importance of moderation in all aspects of life, including our eating habits. By practicing self-control and prioritizing our well-being, we can lead a balanced and fulfilling life, both physically and spiritually. May Allah guide us all to follow the teachings of Islam and grant us good health and well-being.