Hadith #6112

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,

بِئْسَ قَرينُ الدّينِ الطَّمَعُ۔

This can be translated as,

How bad a companion of religion covetousness is!

This amazing Hadith of Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) highlights the detrimental nature of greed and materialism when it becomes intertwined with one's faith.

To better understand the significance of this Hadith, let us delve into the meanings of the key words. (Qareen) "قَرينُ" refers to a companion or an associate, someone who is closely connected to an individual. (Ad-din) "الدّينِ" refers to religion or faith, encompassing one's beliefs, practices, and moral values. Finally, (At-tama') "الطَّمَعُ" denotes covetousness or greed, an insatiable desire for wealth and possessions.

The Quran provides us with numerous verses that shed light on the negative consequences of covetousness and the importance of detachment from worldly desires. Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) warns in Surah Al-Imran (3:14),

Beautified for people is the love of that which they desire - of women and sons, heaped-up sums of gold and silver, fine branded horses, and cattle and tilled land. That is the enjoyment of worldly life, but Allah has with Him the best return.

This verse emphasizes that the allure of worldly possessions can distract individuals from their religious obligations and lead them astray. The love and attachment to material wealth can blind one from the true purpose of life and hinder their spiritual growth.

Furthermore, in Surah Al-Humazah (104:1-2), Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) condemns those who amass wealth and hoard it, saying,

Woe to every scorner and mocker who collects wealth and [continuously] counts it.

These verses highlight the negative consequences of greed and the obsession with accumulating wealth. Such individuals are condemned for their arrogance and disregard for the needs of others. Their focus on material possessions blinds them to the true essence of faith and the importance of using wealth for the betterment of society.

Imam Ali's (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) statement serves as a reminder to Muslims of the dangers of allowing covetousness to become a companion to their religion. When greed takes precedence over faith, it corrupts one's intentions, actions, and character. It leads to a neglect of spiritual development, as the pursuit of material gain becomes the primary focus.

The consequences of such a companionship are far-reaching. It can lead to dishonesty, exploitation, and a disregard for the rights of others. It can also create a sense of entitlement and arrogance, as one becomes consumed by the desire for more wealth and possessions. Ultimately, it distances individuals from the path of righteousness and weakens their connection with Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ).

As Muslims, we are reminded in the Quran to seek moderation in all aspects of life. Surah Al-Isra (17:80) states,

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 importance of seeking sustenance and provisions from Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ), rather than becoming consumed by worldly desires.

Imam Ali's (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) profound statement serves as a reminder to Muslims of the need to prioritize their faith over material gain. It urges us to detach ourselves from the allure of worldly possessions and instead focus on spiritual growth, selflessness, and the pursuit of righteousness. By doing so, we can ensure that our religion remains pure and untainted by the negative influences of greed. May Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) protect us from the companionship of covetousness and guide us on the path of true faith.