Hadith #10937

In the name of Allah, the Most Gracious, the Most Merciful. All praise is due to Allah, the Lord of all the worlds. Peace and blessings be upon our beloved Prophet Muhammad (ﷺ), his pure progeny, the Ahl al-Bayt, and his noble companions.

The Hadith of Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) states,

Piety and avarice do not go together.

This concise statement holds deep wisdom and guidance for Muslims in their pursuit of righteousness and spiritual growth.

Let us first reflect on the key words in this Hadith. "Piety" is translated from the Arabic word (وَرَعُ) "warāʿ", which refers to a state of being cautious, righteous, and mindful of Allah's commands. It encompasses a deep sense of God-consciousness and a commitment to avoiding sinful acts. On the other hand, "avarice" is translated from the Arabic word (طَمَعُ) "ṭamāʿ", which means greed, covetousness, or an excessive desire for wealth and worldly possessions.

To understand the essence of this Hadith, we can turn to the Quran for guidance. Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) says in Surah Al-Hashr (59:9):

And those who, before them, had homes (in Medina) and had adopted the Faith, love those who emigrate to them, and have no jealousy in their breasts for that which they have been given (from the booty of Bani An-Nadir), and give them (emigrants) preference over themselves, even though they were in need of that. And whosoever is saved from his own covetousness, such are they who will be the successful.

This verse highlights the importance of selflessness and the rejection of avarice. The believers are praised for their love and support for the emigrants, even though they themselves were in need. Their hearts were free from jealousy and greed, and they prioritized the well-being of others over their own desires. This exemplifies the essence of piety, as it involves selflessness and a detachment from worldly possessions.

Another Quranic verse that sheds light on the concept of piety and avarice is found 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 reflects the supplication of Prophet Ibrahim (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) and highlights the importance of seeking Allah's guidance and sustenance. It teaches us that true piety lies in relying solely on Allah and not being consumed by worldly desires.

Now, let us delve deeper into the connotation of the Hadith. Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ), known for his immense knowledge and wisdom, emphasizes that piety and avarice cannot coexist within an individual. This statement serves as a reminder for Muslims to constantly evaluate their intentions and actions.

When one is truly pious, their focus is on seeking the pleasure of Allah and fulfilling their obligations towards Him and His creation. Their heart is filled with gratitude and contentment, and they are not driven by a relentless pursuit of wealth and material possessions. Piety motivates individuals to be generous, compassionate, and selfless, as they prioritize the well-being of others over their own desires.

On the other hand, avarice is a destructive trait that leads to spiritual and moral decay. It blinds individuals to the needs of others, fosters selfishness, and creates a sense of entitlement. Avarice breeds discontentment and a constant craving for more, which can lead to unethical behavior and the neglect of one's religious duties.

The consequences of allowing avarice to overpower piety are detrimental to both individuals and society as a whole. It creates an environment of greed, injustice, and inequality. The pursuit of personal gain at the expense of others erodes the fabric of a just and harmonious society. Furthermore, avarice hinders spiritual growth and distances individuals from the path of righteousness.

In conclusion, the Hadith of Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) serves as a powerful reminder for Muslims to prioritize piety over avarice. It highlights the importance of cultivating a heart that is free from greed and focused on the pleasure of Allah. By embodying the qualities of piety, Muslims can contribute to the betterment of society and attain spiritual growth. May Allah guide us all on the path of righteousness and protect us from the destructive influence of avarice.