Commentary on the Hadith of Moderation

This noble tradition, transmitted by Imam al-Bukhari in his chapter headings, provides profound guidance on the Islamic approach to worldly pleasures. The Messenger of Allah (peace be upon him) establishes a balanced principle: enjoyment of Allah's blessings is permitted, provided it remains within the boundaries of moderation and avoids two destructive extremes.

The Permissibility of Enjoyment

The phrase "Eat what you like and wear what you like" demonstrates that Islam is not a religion of asceticism that forbids lawful pleasures. Allah has created the delights of food, drink, and clothing for our enjoyment, and gratitude is shown by partaking of them within the divinely prescribed limits.

Scholars explain that this permission encompasses all that is halal (lawful), while remaining mindful that the best of matters are those which are moderate. The believer should avoid both extravagance and excessive restriction, finding the balanced path that Allah loves.

The Prohibition of Prodigality (Israf)

Israf refers to exceeding the bounds in expenditure, whether through wastefulness, squandering wealth, or spending on unlawful matters. The Quran explicitly condemns this: "Indeed, the wasteful are brothers of the devils" (17:27).

Scholars define prodigality as spending beyond what is necessary, even on permissible things, when it leads to neglect of more important obligations or causes financial hardship. The wise Muslim enjoys blessings while avoiding both miserliness and extravagance.

The Prohibition of Pride (Kibr)

Kibr is the arrogance that arises when one feels superior to others due to one's possessions, clothing, or status. The Prophet (peace be upon him) said: "Whoever has an atom's weight of pride in his heart will not enter Paradise."

Wearing fine clothing becomes problematic when it is accompanied by looking down upon others or seeking fame and recognition. The believer adorns themselves with humility, recognizing that all blessings come from Allah and do not make one inherently superior to others.

Practical Application

This hadith teaches us to examine our intentions when enjoying worldly pleasures. Are we eating and dressing to fulfill our needs and thank Allah, or to show off and boast?

The balanced approach means enjoying what Allah has provided while maintaining gratitude, avoiding waste, and cultivating humility. When these two evils - prodigality and pride - are avoided, the believer can rightfully enjoy the lawful pleasures of this world without transgressing divine limits.