Hadith #6096

In the name of Allah, the Most Gracious, the Most Merciful. Praise be to Allah, the Lord of all worlds. 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,

أزْرى بِنَفْسهِ مَنِ اسْتَشْعَرَ الطَّمَعَ۔

This can be translated as,

He who covers himself with covetousness has degraded himself.

Let us delve into the meaning of some important words in this Hadith. The word (azra) "أزْرى" refers to someone who covers or wraps themselves with something. In this context, it signifies a person who envelops themselves with the negative trait of covetousness. (istash'ara) "استَشْعَرَ" means to feel or sense something deeply. And (at-tama'a) "الطَّمَعَ" refers to covetousness or greed.

To understand the wise message of this Hadith, we can turn to the Quran for guidance. Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) warns us against the destructive nature of covetousness in several verses. In Surah Al-Hashr (59:9), Allah says,

And those who came after them say, 'Our Lord, forgive us and our brothers who preceded us in faith and put not in our hearts [any] resentment toward those who have believed. Our Lord, indeed You are Kind and Merciful.'

This verse highlights the importance of purifying our hearts from any resentment or envy towards others. Covetousness stems from a lack of contentment and gratitude for the blessings bestowed upon us by Allah. It leads to a negative mindset and can even breed animosity towards those who possess what we desire.

Furthermore, in Surah Al-Isra (17:80), Allah warns,

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 emphasizes the need for seeking sustenance and provisions from Allah, rather than being consumed by worldly desires. Covetousness blinds us to the fact that true sustenance comes from Allah alone, and it can lead to unethical behavior and a disregard for the rights of others.

Imam Ali's (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) Hadith serves as a powerful reminder for Muslims to guard against the destructive nature of covetousness. When a person becomes consumed by greed and constantly desires what others possess, they degrade themselves morally and spiritually. They lose sight of the blessings bestowed upon them by Allah and fail to appreciate the unique gifts and provisions they have been given.

Covetousness not only affects an individual's character but also has wider implications for society. It can lead to an atmosphere of competition, envy, and discontentment, which hampers social cohesion and harmony. Moreover, it can drive individuals to engage in unethical practices such as theft, fraud, or exploitation in their pursuit of material gain.

Imam Ali's amazing Hadith urges Muslims to cultivate contentment and gratitude in their hearts. By recognizing and appreciating the blessings bestowed upon us by Allah, we can free ourselves from the shackles of covetousness. This mindset shift allows us to focus on personal growth, self-improvement, and the development of positive qualities such as generosity, empathy, and compassion.

In conclusion, Imam Ali's Hadith serves as a timeless reminder for Muslims to guard against the destructive nature of covetousness. By understanding the profound consequences of this negative trait, we can strive to cultivate contentment, gratitude, and a sense of fulfillment in our lives. May Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) protect us from the pitfalls of covetousness and grant us the strength to overcome our desires.