Hadith #5187

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,

الشَّرَهُ أُسُّ كُلِّ شَرّ۔

This can be translated into English as,

Voraciousness is the foundation of every evil.

Let us delve into the meaning of this enlightening saying of Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ). The word (ash-sharah) "الشَّرَهُ" refers to an intense desire or craving for something, often associated with greed or gluttony. It signifies an insatiable hunger or thirst for worldly possessions, power, or indulgence. This excessive and uncontrolled desire can lead one to commit various forms of evil and harm.

Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) highlights that (ash-sharah) "الشَّرَهُ" is not just a manifestation of evil, but it is the very foundation upon which all other forms of evil are built. It is the root cause that gives rise to other vices such as envy, dishonesty, oppression, and injustice. When one becomes consumed by their desires and seeks to fulfill them at any cost, they lose sight of moral boundaries and become susceptible to committing acts that harm themselves and others.

The Quran provides us with several verses that support the exegesis of this Hadith. Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) warns us against the dangers of excessive desire and its consequences. In Surah Al-Isra (17:100), Allah says,

And We had certainly made clear to the Children of Israel in the Scripture that, 'You will surely cause corruption on the earth twice, and you will surely reach [a degree of] great haughtiness.'

Here, Allah is referring to the Israelites' disobedience and their insatiable desire for worldly gains, which ultimately led to corruption and arrogance.

Furthermore, in Surah Al-Qasas (28:77), Allah says,

But seek, through that which Allah has given you, the home of the Hereafter; and [yet], do not forget your share of the world. And do good as Allah has done good to you. And desire not corruption in the land. Indeed, Allah does not like corrupters.

This verse emphasizes the importance of balancing our desires for worldly possessions with the pursuit of the Hereafter. It warns against seeking corruption and evil in the pursuit of material gains.

Imam Ali's (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) statement serves as a reminder for Muslims to reflect upon their own desires and to exercise self-control. It urges us to be mindful of the potential consequences that arise from unchecked greed and gluttony. By recognizing the destructive nature of voraciousness, we can strive to cultivate contentment, gratitude, and moderation in our lives.

When individuals are driven solely by their desires, they become blinded to the needs and rights of others. This leads to a disregard for justice, fairness, and compassion. For example, a person consumed by their desire for wealth may resort to exploitation, fraud, or theft to satisfy their insatiable hunger for material possessions. Similarly, a person driven by their desire for power may oppress and trample upon the rights of others to maintain their position.

Conversely, when individuals are able to control their desires and prioritize the well-being of others, they can contribute positively to society. By practicing self-restraint and focusing on the greater good, Muslims can work towards establishing a just and harmonious community. This requires recognizing the destructive potential of voraciousness and actively striving to overcome it.

In conclusion, the Hadith of Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) serves as a profound reminder for Muslims to be cautious of the dangers of voraciousness. It highlights the importance of self-control and moderation in our desires, as excessive craving can lead to the foundation of all forms of evil. By reflecting upon the teachings of the Quran and the wisdom of Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ), Muslims can strive to overcome their base desires and work towards a more just and compassionate society. May Allah guide us all on the path of righteousness and protect us from the pitfalls of voraciousness.