Hadith #9332

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 noble companions.

The Hadith of Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) states,

It is a sufficient sagacity for a person to remain moderate in his goals and reasonable in his quests.

This impactful saying emphasizes the importance of balance and moderation in our pursuits and ambitions.

Let us delve into the key words of this Hadith. The word (kaysan) "كَيْساً" refers to sagacity, wisdom, and prudence. It implies the ability to make sound judgments and decisions. (yaqtaṣida) "يَقْتَصِدَ" means to be moderate, to exercise restraint, and to avoid excessiveness. (ma aribihi) "مَ آرِبِهِ" refers to one's goals, aspirations, or desires. And (matalibihi) "مَطالِبِهِ" signifies one's quests, endeavors, or pursuits.

To understand the significance of this Hadith, we can turn to the Quran for guidance. Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) repeatedly emphasizes the importance of moderation and balance in various aspects of life. In Surah Al-Baqarah, verse 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 includes being moderate in our goals and quests.

Furthermore, in Surah Al-Hadid, verse 25, Allah states,

We sent Our messengers with clear proofs and revealed to them the Scripture and the Balance that people may maintain [their affairs] in justice.

Here, Allah mentions the concept of balance, indicating that it is through moderation and justice that we can maintain harmony in our lives.

Imam Ali's (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) statement encourages us to adopt a balanced approach in pursuing our goals and aspirations. It reminds us that excessive ambition and an insatiable desire for more can lead to negative consequences. By remaining moderate, we can avoid the pitfalls of greed, selfishness, and materialism.

For example, in the pursuit of wealth, a person who is excessively focused on accumulating wealth may neglect their spiritual and moral obligations. They may become consumed by their desires, leading to a loss of integrity and a disregard for the well-being of others. On the other hand, a person who remains moderate in their pursuit of wealth will prioritize their spiritual growth, maintain ethical standards, and use their resources to benefit society.

Similarly, in the pursuit of knowledge, a person who is excessively driven by the desire for recognition and status may become arrogant and dismissive of differing opinions. They may lose sight of the true purpose of knowledge, which is to seek truth and serve humanity. However, a person who remains moderate in their quest for knowledge will approach it with humility, open-mindedness, and a sincere intention to benefit themselves and others.

By adopting a balanced approach, we can avoid the extremes of complacency and obsession. We can find contentment in our achievements while continuously striving for improvement. This moderation allows us to maintain a healthy and sustainable lifestyle, both physically and spiritually.

In conclusion, the Hadith of Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) reminds us of the importance of moderation and balance in our goals and quests. It encourages us to exercise wisdom and prudence in our pursuits, avoiding excessiveness and maintaining a balanced approach. By doing so, we can lead a fulfilling and purposeful life, guided by the principles of justice, integrity, and compassion. May Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) grant us the wisdom to remain moderate in all aspects of our lives.