Hadith #2114

In the name of Allah, the Most Gracious, the Most Merciful. May peace and blessings be upon our beloved Prophet Muhammad (ﷺ), his pure progeny, and his noble companions.

The provided Hadith of Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) states,

The one who is greedy is poor, even if he owns the whole world in its entirety.

This Hadith emphasizes the detrimental nature of greed and highlights the true poverty that lies within a person who possesses an insatiable desire for material wealth.

The word (haris) "حَريص" in this Hadith refers to someone who is excessively greedy or covetous. This person is constantly driven by a strong desire to accumulate wealth and possessions, often at the expense of others. The word (faqir) "فَقِيْر" means poor or needy. However, in this context, it signifies a spiritual poverty or a lack of contentment.

This Hadith is in line with the teachings of the Quran, which repeatedly warns against the dangers of greed and materialism. Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) says in Surah Al-Hashr (59:9),

And those who came after them say, 'Our Lord, forgive us and our brothers who preceded us in faith and put not in our hearts [any] resentment toward those who have believed. Our Lord, indeed You are Kind and Merciful.'

This verse reminds us to seek forgiveness and to avoid harboring resentment towards others. Greed often stems from a sense of envy or jealousy towards those who possess more wealth or possessions. By seeking forgiveness and cultivating a sense of contentment, we can overcome the destructive nature of greed and find true spiritual richness.

Another verse that supports the message of this Hadith is found in Surah Al-Isra (17:80), where Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) says,

And say: My Lord! Cause me to come in with a firm incoming and to go out with a firm outgoing. And give me from Thy presence a sustaining Power.

This verse teaches us to seek Allah's guidance and support in all aspects of our lives. By relying on Him and His sustenance, we can find contentment and fulfillment, regardless of our material possessions. It reminds us that true wealth lies in our connection with Allah and the strength of our faith, rather than in the accumulation of worldly goods.

Imam Ali's (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) beautiful saying in this Hadith serves as a reminder to Muslims of the importance of cultivating contentment and avoiding the pitfalls of greed. It teaches us that true poverty lies in the insatiable desire for material wealth, which can never bring lasting happiness or fulfillment. Instead, we should strive for spiritual richness by seeking Allah's pleasure and being grateful for the blessings He has bestowed upon us.

Reflecting on this Hadith, we should examine our own hearts and intentions. Are we constantly chasing after worldly possessions, never satisfied with what we have? Or do we find contentment and gratitude in the blessings Allah has bestowed upon us? By purifying our hearts from the disease of greed, we can attain true richness and inner peace in this world and the hereafter.

May Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) protect us from the destructive nature of greed and guide us towards contentment and spiritual richness. Ameen.