Hadith #2118

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

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

الحريص متعوب فيما يضره

which translates to

The greedy person toils for that which will harm him.

This amazing Hadith of Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) highlights the negative consequences of greed and the futility of pursuing harmful desires.

To understand the deeper meaning of this Hadith, let us delve into the key words used. The word (al-harees) "الحريص" refers to a person who is excessively eager or greedy. This person is driven by an insatiable desire for material possessions, wealth, or power. Their actions are motivated by selfishness and a lack of contentment.

The word (muta'awwib) "متعوب" comes from the root word "عَوَّبَ" which means to toil, labor, or exert effort. It implies that the greedy person expends great effort and energy in their pursuit of their desires. They engage in relentless striving and hard work to acquire more and more, without considering the consequences.

The phrase (fima yadurruhu) "فيما يضره" means

that which will harm him.

It signifies that the very thing the greedy person is striving for will ultimately bring harm and negative consequences upon them. Their relentless pursuit of wealth or power blinds them to the harm it will cause to their spiritual, emotional, and even physical well-being.

This Hadith of Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) resonates with several Quranic verses that emphasize the dangers of greed and the importance of contentment. Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) warns us in Surah Al-Isra (17:80),

And We have certainly created man to be in hardship.

This verse reminds us that the pursuit of worldly desires can lead to hardship and suffering.

Furthermore, in Surah Al-Takathur (102:1-2), Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) says,

Competition in [worldly] increase diverts you until you visit the graveyards.

This verse highlights how the obsession with material possessions and worldly gains can distract us from the ultimate reality of death and the Hereafter.

The consequences of greed can be seen in various aspects of life. For example, a person who is excessively focused on accumulating wealth may neglect their family, their health, and their spiritual growth. They may become consumed by their desires, leading to a sense of emptiness and dissatisfaction.

Moreover, greed can lead to unethical behavior, such as exploitation, corruption, and injustice. When individuals prioritize their own desires above the well-being of others, it disrupts the harmony and balance in society. This is contrary to the teachings of Islam, which emphasize justice, compassion, and selflessness.

Imam Ali's (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) Hadith serves as a reminder for Muslims to cultivate contentment and moderation in their lives. It encourages us to prioritize spiritual growth, moral values, and the well-being of others over the pursuit of material possessions. By doing so, we can attain true happiness and inner peace.

In conclusion, the Hadith of Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ)

The greedy person toils for that which will harm him

highlights the negative consequences of greed and the futility of pursuing harmful desires. It reminds us to seek contentment, prioritize spiritual growth, and strive for the betterment of ourselves and society. May Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) protect us from the pitfalls of greed and guide us on the path of righteousness.