Hadith #8687

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 righteous companions.

The provided Hadith of Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) emphasizes the importance of adopting moderation, or "iqtisad" in Arabic, in all aspects of life. The word "iqtisad" refers to the act of being moderate, balanced, and avoiding extremes. It is a quality that leads to prosperity and prevents poverty and deficiency.

To understand the significance of this Hadith, let us delve into the Quran for guidance. Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) repeatedly emphasizes the concept of moderation and balance in various verses. For example, in Surah Al-Baqarah (2:143), 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 highlights the importance of being a just and balanced community, which is achieved through moderation.

Furthermore, in Surah Al-A'raf (7:31), Allah warns against extremism and 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 to avoid excessiveness in our actions and to adopt moderation in our daily lives.

The Hadith of Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) echoes the teachings of the Quran by emphasizing the benefits of moderation. When one adopts moderation, their prosperity is sustained, and they are protected from poverty and deficiency. This can be understood in various contexts.

For instance, in matters of wealth, adopting moderation means avoiding extravagance and excessive spending. By managing one's finances wisely, a person can maintain their prosperity and avoid falling into poverty. This is in line with the Quranic teachings of avoiding excessiveness in spending and being mindful of one's wealth.

Similarly, in matters of knowledge, adopting moderation means seeking knowledge in a balanced and comprehensive manner. Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) was known for his vast knowledge and wisdom. He emphasized the importance of acquiring knowledge from reliable sources and avoiding extremism in beliefs. By adopting moderation in seeking knowledge, one can avoid falling into ignorance or being misled by false information.

Moreover, in matters of relationships and interactions with others, adopting moderation means maintaining a balanced approach. It means avoiding extremes of aggression or passivity, and instead, striving for fairness, kindness, and understanding. By doing so, one can build harmonious relationships and avoid conflicts and misunderstandings.

The consequences of adopting moderation are far-reaching. It leads to a balanced and fulfilling life, where one's physical, emotional, and spiritual needs are met without excess or deficiency. It promotes self-discipline, contentment, and gratitude, which are essential qualities for a Muslim.

Reflecting on this Hadith, we are reminded of the importance of moderation in all aspects of our lives. It is a principle that guides us towards a balanced and righteous path, ensuring our prosperity and protecting us from poverty and deficiency. As Muslims, let us strive to adopt moderation in our actions, thoughts, and beliefs, following the teachings of the Quran and the guidance of Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ). May Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) grant us the wisdom and strength to embody this noble quality.