Hadith #6090

In the name of Allah, the Most Gracious, the Most Merciful. Praise be to Allah, the Lord of all 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) warns us about the dangers of covetousness, which is the desire for material possessions and wealth. Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) describes covetousness as something that leads a person into difficulties and humiliation, but it does not provide a way out of those difficulties. It promises fulfillment and satisfaction, but ultimately fails to deliver on its promises.

To better understand the profound wisdom behind this Hadith, let us delve into the meanings of some key words. The word (muwridun) "مُورِدٌ" refers to something that leads or causes someone to enter into a particular state or condition. In this context, it signifies that covetousness leads a person into difficulties and humiliation. The word (ghayru musdir) "غَيْرُ مُصْدِر" means that covetousness does not provide a source or means of escape from those difficulties. It traps a person in a cycle of wanting more and more, without finding true contentment or satisfaction.

Imam Ali's (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) statement is supported by several Quranic verses that emphasize the dangers of covetousness and the pursuit of worldly possessions. Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) warns us in Surah Al-Isra (17:80):

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 highlights the importance of seeking sustenance and provisions from Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ), rather than relying solely on our own desires and pursuits. Covetousness blinds us to the fact that true sustenance and success come from Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) alone.

Furthermore, in Surah Al-Kahf (18:46), Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) warns us about the fleeting nature of worldly possessions:

Wealth and children are an adornment of the life of this world. But the good righteous deeds, that last, are better with your Lord for rewards and better in respect of hope.

This verse reminds us that material possessions and wealth are temporary and do not bring lasting fulfillment. True success lies in performing righteous deeds and seeking Allah's pleasure.

Imam Ali's (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) Hadith serves as a profound reminder for Muslims to prioritize their spiritual well-being over their material desires. Covetousness may promise happiness and fulfillment, but it ultimately leads to dissatisfaction and a never-ending pursuit of more. It traps individuals in a cycle of greed, preventing them from finding true contentment and peace.

Moreover, covetousness can have severe consequences not only in this world but also in the hereafter. The Quran warns us in Surah Al-Takathur (102:1-2):

The mutual rivalry for piling up (the good things of this world) diverts you (from the more serious things), until you visit the graves.

This verse highlights how the pursuit of worldly possessions and wealth can distract us from our ultimate purpose in life, which is to worship Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) and seek His pleasure. It serves as a reminder that our focus should be on accumulating good deeds and preparing for the life to come, rather than being consumed by materialistic desires.

In conclusion, Imam Ali's (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) Hadith serves as a profound reminder for Muslims to be cautious of the dangers of covetousness. It warns us that the pursuit of material possessions and wealth may lead to difficulties and humiliation, without providing true fulfillment or satisfaction. By prioritizing our spiritual well-being and seeking Allah's pleasure, we can find true contentment and peace in this world and the hereafter. May Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) protect us from the traps of covetousness and guide us on the path of righteousness.