Hadith #2124

In the name of Allah, the Most Gracious, the Most Merciful. All praise is due 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.

The Arabic Hadith of Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) states, "كُلُّ حَريص فَقيرٌ۔" This can be translated into English as,

Every greedy person is needy.

Let us delve into the meaning of the key words in this Hadith. The word (haris) "حَريص" refers to someone who is excessively eager or greedy. It describes a person who is constantly seeking more and is never content with what they have. The word (faqeer) "فَقير" means a person who is in need or impoverished.

To understand the profound wisdom behind this Hadith, we can turn to the Quran for guidance. Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) repeatedly emphasizes the importance of contentment and warns against the dangers of greed. In Surah Al-Baqarah, Allah says, (Quran 4:32)

And do not wish for that by which Allah has made some of you exceed others. For men is a share of what they have earned, and for women is a share of what they have earned. And ask Allah of his bounty. Indeed Allah is ever, of all things, Knowing.

This verse reminds us that Allah has apportioned sustenance for each individual according to His divine wisdom. It encourages us to be content with what we have and not to desire what others possess. Greed, on the other hand, stems from a lack of gratitude and a desire for more than what Allah has decreed for us.

Furthermore, in Surah Al-Isra, Allah says, (Quran 20:131)

And do not extend your eyes toward that by which We have given enjoyment to [some] categories of them, [its being but] the splendor of worldly life by which We test them. And the provision of your Lord is better and more enduring.

This verse highlights the temporary nature of worldly possessions and the importance of focusing on the provision that Allah has bestowed upon us. It reminds us that true wealth lies in the blessings of the Hereafter, not in the accumulation of material possessions.

Imam Ali's (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) Hadith serves as a powerful reminder for Muslims to avoid the destructive path of greed. It teaches us that those who are constantly seeking more and are never satisfied with what they have are, in fact, spiritually impoverished. Their insatiable desire for worldly possessions blinds them to the true richness of faith and contentment.

Greed can lead to numerous negative consequences in both individual and societal levels. On a personal level, it breeds dissatisfaction, envy, and a constant sense of inadequacy. It prevents one from appreciating the blessings bestowed upon them by Allah and can lead to a perpetual state of unhappiness.

On a societal level, greed can lead to economic disparities, exploitation, and injustice. When individuals prioritize their own desires over the needs of others, it creates an imbalanced society where the wealthy hoard resources while the less fortunate suffer. Islam, on the other hand, promotes a sense of social responsibility and encourages Muslims to be generous and compassionate towards those in need.

Reflecting on this Hadith, Muslims are reminded to cultivate contentment and gratitude in their hearts. We should strive to be satisfied with what Allah has provided for us and avoid the trap of excessive greed. By doing so, we can attain true spiritual richness and contribute to the establishment of a just and harmonious society.

May Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) guide us all to the path of contentment and protect us from the destructive influence of greed. Ameen.