Hadith #1359

In the name of Allah, the Most Gracious, the Most Merciful. Praise be 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 Arabic Hadith of Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) states,

المُؤمِنُ سيرَتُهُ القَصْدُ، وسُنَّتُهُ الرُّشدُ۔

This can be translated as,

The demeanour of a believer is characterized by moderation and his conduct is upright.

Let us delve into the meanings of the key words in this Hadith. The word (seerah) "سيرة" refers to the way of life or the overall conduct of a person. It encompasses their actions, behavior, and habits. (al-qasd) "القَصْد" means moderation, balance, and avoiding extremes. It signifies the ability to strike a harmonious balance in all aspects of life. (ar-rushd) "الرُّشد" refers to righteousness, guidance, and following the right path.

To understand the profound wisdom behind this Hadith, we can turn to the Quran for guidance. Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) says in Surah Al-Baqarah, verse 143:

Thus, We have made you a justly balanced nation, that you may be witnesses over mankind and the Messenger may be a witness over you.

This verse emphasizes the importance of moderation and balance in the lives of Muslims. It is through this balanced approach that we can fulfill our responsibilities as witnesses to humanity.

Another verse that supports the concept of moderation is found in Surah Al-Hijr, verse 87:

And We have certainly given you, [O Muhammad], seven of the often repeated [verses] and the great Qur'an.

This verse highlights the significance of the Quran as a guide for mankind. It is a book of wisdom that provides us with the principles of moderation and righteousness.

Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ), being the epitome of knowledge and wisdom, emphasizes the importance of moderation and righteousness in the life of a believer. The believer should strive to strike a balance in all aspects of life, be it in matters of faith, personal conduct, relationships, or worldly affairs.

By adopting moderation, a believer avoids the extremes of excess and negligence. For example, in matters of worship, a believer should neither be overly zealous nor neglectful. They should perform their religious obligations with sincerity and consistency, without going to extremes or neglecting their duties.

In personal conduct, a believer should exhibit upright behavior and adhere to the principles of justice, honesty, and integrity. They should avoid any form of oppression, dishonesty, or wrongdoing. This is in line with the Quranic teachings that emphasize righteousness and guidance.

The consequences of embodying moderation and righteousness are far-reaching. It leads to a balanced and harmonious life, both individually and collectively. It fosters a society that is just, compassionate, and morally upright. It creates an environment where people can live in peace and harmony, respecting the rights and dignity of one another.

Reflecting on this Hadith, we are reminded of the importance of moderation and righteousness in our lives as Muslims. It serves as a guiding principle for our actions and behaviors. By embodying moderation and righteousness, we can strive to be true believers, following in the footsteps of Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) and the teachings of the Quran.

May Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) grant us the ability to embody moderation and righteousness in all aspects of our lives, and may He guide us on the straight path. Ameen.