Hadith #2074

In the name of Allah, the Most Gracious, the Most Merciful. Praise be to Allah, the Lord of all the worlds, and blessings be upon His Messenger Muhammad (ﷺ), his pure progeny, and his noble companions.

The Arabic Hadith of Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) states, "الحِرْصُ ذَمِيمُ المَغَبَّةِ" which translates to

Greed has blameworthy consequences.

This concise statement by Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) highlights the negative effects of greed and serves as a reminder for Muslims to avoid this destructive trait.

To understand the essence of this Hadith, let us delve into the key words used. The word (al-hirsu) "الحِرْصُ" refers to greed or excessive desire for wealth, power, or material possessions. It is a characteristic that drives individuals to pursue their own interests at the expense of others. The word (dameem) "ذَمِيمُ" means blameworthy or condemnable, indicating that greed is not only discouraged but also carries negative consequences.

The Quran provides numerous verses that emphasize the dangers and consequences of greed. For instance, in Surah Al-Hashr (59:9), Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) warns against the love of wealth and possessions, stating,

And those who, before them, had homes and had adopted the faith, love those who emigrate to them, and find no need in their breasts for what they have been given, but prefer them above themselves, even though they themselves have need. And whoso is saved from his own greed, such are they who will be successful.

This verse highlights the importance of selflessness and putting the needs of others before our own desires. It teaches us that true success lies in overcoming our greed and prioritizing the well-being of others. Similarly, in Surah Al-Baqarah (2:188), Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) warns against the negative consequences of greed, stating,

And eat up not one another's property unjustly (in any illegal way, e.g. stealing, robbing, deceiving, etc.), nor give bribery to the rulers (judges before presenting your cases) that you may knowingly eat up a part of the property of others sinfully.

This verse cautions against the unjust acquisition of wealth and highlights the importance of honesty and fairness in financial transactions. It reminds us that greed can lead to corruption and harm not only individuals but also society as a whole.

Imam Ali's (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) Hadith serves as a profound reminder for Muslims to reflect upon their own actions and intentions. Greed, if left unchecked, can lead to a multitude of negative consequences. It can breed envy, selfishness, and a disregard for the rights of others. It can also lead to unethical behavior, such as fraud, theft, and exploitation.

Furthermore, greed can have detrimental effects on one's spiritual well-being. It distracts individuals from their true purpose in life, which is to worship Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) and seek His pleasure. It blinds individuals to the blessings bestowed upon them and fosters discontentment and ingratitude.

Imam Ali's (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) wise utterance serves as a call to self-reflection and self-improvement. It encourages Muslims to strive for contentment, generosity, and selflessness. By purifying our hearts from greed, we can cultivate a society that is characterized by justice, compassion, and harmony.

In conclusion, the Hadith of Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) reminds us of the blameworthy consequences of greed. It urges Muslims to reflect upon their own actions and intentions, and to strive for selflessness and contentment. By aligning our desires with the teachings of the Quran, we can attain spiritual growth and contribute to the betterment of society. May Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) protect us from the destructive effects of greed and guide us on the path of righteousness.