Hadith #1411

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

In this profound Hadith of Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ), he advises Muslims to refrain from avarice or greed, as it is the garment of indigence and the bridle that drives one towards every form of vileness. Let us delve into the deeper meaning of this Hadith and explore its implications in light of the Quran.

The word (shuhh) "شُّحَّ" in Arabic refers to avarice or greed. It is the insatiable desire for wealth and material possessions, often leading to selfishness and a disregard for the needs of others. Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) warns us against this trait, as it is detrimental to both our spiritual and worldly well-being.

To understand the significance of Imam Ali's advice, we can turn to the Quran for guidance. In Surah Al-Isra (17:80), Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) says,

And We have certainly created man from an extract of clay. Then We placed him as a sperm-drop in a firm lodging. Then We made the sperm-drop into a clinging clot, and We made the clot into a lump [of flesh], and We made [from] the lump, bones, and We covered the bones with flesh; then We developed him into another creation. So blessed is Allah, the best of creators.

This verse reminds us of our humble origins and the transient nature of worldly possessions. We are created from a mere drop of sperm, and our ultimate destination is the grave. Our focus should be on the eternal life to come, rather than accumulating wealth that will be left behind.

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

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

This verse highlights how the pursuit of worldly gains can distract us from our true purpose in life. The desire for more and more wealth can consume our thoughts and actions, leading us away from the remembrance of Allah and the pursuit of righteousness.

Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) describes avarice as the "garment of indigence." This metaphor emphasizes that greed ultimately leads to spiritual poverty. When we are consumed by the desire for material possessions, we neglect our spiritual growth and become spiritually bankrupt. Our hearts become hardened, and we lose sight of the true purpose of our existence.

The Imam also refers to avarice as the

bridle that is used to drive one towards every [type of] vileness.

This imagery highlights how greed can lead to immoral behavior and vices. When we prioritize our own desires above all else, we become willing to engage in dishonesty, exploitation, and injustice. Greed blinds us to the rights of others and erodes our moral compass.

Reflecting on this Hadith, we are reminded of the importance of contentment and gratitude in our lives. Instead of constantly striving for more, we should focus on being grateful for what we have been blessed with. The Quran repeatedly emphasizes the virtue of gratitude, as Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) says in Surah Ibrahim (14:7),

And [remember] when your Lord proclaimed, 'If you are grateful, I will surely increase you [in favor]; but if you deny, indeed, My punishment is severe.'

In conclusion, Imam Ali's (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) advice to refrain from avarice serves as a timeless reminder for Muslims to prioritize spiritual wealth over material possessions. Greed leads to spiritual poverty and moral degradation, while contentment and gratitude bring about inner peace and righteousness. Let us strive to embody the teachings of the Quran and the wisdom of Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) in our daily lives, seeking the pleasure of Allah and the betterment of our souls. May Allah guide us all on the path of righteousness.