Hadith #5176

In the name of Allah, the Most Gracious, the Most Merciful. Praise be to Allah, the Lord of all the worlds. Peace and blessings be upon our beloved Prophet Muhammad (ﷺ), his purified progeny, and his noble companions.

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

اِحْذَرُوا الشَّرََهَ فَإنَّهُ خُلْقٌ مُرْدي۔

This can be translated as,

Beware of voraciousness, for verily it is a destructive quality.

The word (sharaha) "شَّرََهَ" refers to voraciousness or greed. It is a quality that drives a person to constantly desire more, without considering the consequences or the rights of others. This insatiable desire for more can lead to harmful actions and a disregard for ethical principles. The word (murdy) "مُرْدي۔" can be translated as destructive or ruinous. It signifies the negative consequences that arise from indulging in voraciousness.

To understand the significance of this Hadith, let us turn to the Quran for guidance. In Surah Al-Isra, verse 29, Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) warns against the destructive nature of greed and excessive desire. The verse states, (Quran 17:29)

And do not make your hand [as] chained to your neck or extend it completely and [thereby] become blamed and insolvent.

This verse emphasizes the importance of moderation and self-control, cautioning against the consequences of unchecked greed.

Furthermore, in Surah Al-Humazah, Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) condemns those who hoard wealth and are consumed by their desires. The verse states, (Quran 104:1-3)

Woe to every scorner and mocker who collects wealth and [continuously] counts it. He thinks that his wealth will make him immortal. No! He will surely be thrown into the Crusher.

This verse serves as a stark reminder of the fleeting nature of material possessions and the punishment that awaits those who prioritize their desires over righteousness.

Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ), being the epitome of knowledge and wisdom, warns us about the destructive nature of voraciousness. He reminds us that this quality leads to ruin and harm, both for ourselves and for others. When a person becomes consumed by their desires and seeks to fulfill them at any cost, they lose sight of their moral compass and disregard the rights of others. This can lead to a breakdown in relationships, injustice, and a loss of spiritual well-being.

For example, a person who is driven by voraciousness may engage in unethical business practices, exploiting others for personal gain. They may prioritize their own desires over the needs of their family, neglecting their responsibilities and causing harm to their loved ones. In extreme cases, voraciousness can lead to corruption, theft, and even violence.

Imam Ali's (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) warning serves as a reminder for Muslims to cultivate self-discipline and self-control. We should strive to strike a balance between our desires and our obligations, ensuring that our actions are guided by righteousness and consideration for others. By resisting the temptation of voraciousness, we can protect ourselves from the destructive consequences that accompany it.

In conclusion, the Hadith of Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) serves as a profound reminder for Muslims to be cautious of voraciousness and its destructive nature. It calls upon us to reflect on our desires and to prioritize ethical conduct and self-control. By heeding this warning, we can strive towards a balanced and righteous way of life, benefiting ourselves and society as a whole. May Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) grant us the wisdom and strength to overcome the allure of voraciousness and to embody the teachings of Islam in our actions.