Hadith #6137

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.

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

لاذُلَّ أعْظَمُ مِنَ الطَّمَعِ۔

This can be translated into English as,

There is no humiliation greater than covetousness.

Let us delve into the meaning of the key words in this Hadith. The word (la dhillah) "لاذُلَّ" means "no humiliation" or "no disgrace." It refers to the state of being humiliated or disgraced. The word (a'zamu) "أعْظَمُ" means "greater" or "more severe." It emphasizes the intensity or severity of the situation being described. Finally, the word (at-tama') "الطَّمَعِ" means "covetousness" or "greed." It refers to an excessive desire to possess something that belongs to someone else.

To understand the profound wisdom behind 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, Allah says, (59:16)

And let not those who [greedily] withhold what Allah has given them of His bounty ever think that it is better for them. Rather, it is worse for them. Their necks will be encircled by what they withheld on the Day of Resurrection

This verse highlights the consequences of covetousness and the severe punishment that awaits those who hoard their wealth and deny others their rights.

Furthermore, in Surah Al-Imran, Allah warns against the destructive nature of greed and covetousness when He says, (63:9)

O you who have believed, let not your wealth and your children divert you from remembrance of Allah. And whoever does that - then those are the losers

This verse reminds us that excessive attachment to material possessions and worldly desires can distract us from our ultimate purpose in life, which is to worship and remember Allah.

Imam Ali's (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) Hadith serves as a powerful reminder for Muslims to avoid the trap of covetousness. Covetousness not only leads to humiliation in this world but also in the Hereafter. When we are consumed by greed and constantly yearn for what others possess, we lose sight of the blessings bestowed upon us by Allah. We become ungrateful for what we have and fail to appreciate the abundance in our lives.

Covetousness can also lead to unethical behavior, as it often involves seeking to acquire what rightfully belongs to others. This can result in injustice, oppression, and the violation of others' rights. In Surah Al-Baqarah, Allah warns against this when He says, (2:188)

And do not consume one another's wealth unjustly or send it [in bribery] to the rulers in order that [they might aid] you [to] consume a portion of the wealth of the people in sin, while you know [it is unlawful]

This verse highlights the importance of fairness and justice in our dealings with others and warns against the temptation of covetousness.

Moreover, covetousness can lead to a never-ending cycle of dissatisfaction and unhappiness. When we constantly desire what others possess, we are never content with what we have. This perpetual state of longing and envy can rob us of inner peace and contentment. Allah reminds us in Surah Al-Baqarah, (2:216)

But perhaps you hate a thing and it is good for you; and perhaps you love a thing and it is bad for you. And Allah knows, while you know not

This verse reminds us that Allah, in His infinite wisdom, knows what is best for us. Therefore, we should trust in His decree and be content with the blessings He has bestowed upon us.

In conclusion, Imam Ali's (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) Hadith serves as a profound reminder for Muslims to avoid the destructive path of covetousness. It warns against the humiliation and disgrace that accompanies an excessive desire for what others possess. By reflecting on the Quranic verses that highlight the consequences of covetousness and the importance of contentment, we can strive to cultivate gratitude, fairness, and inner peace in our lives. May Allah protect us from the trap of covetousness and grant us the strength to be content with His blessings.