Hadith #6151

In the name of Allah, the Most Gracious, the Most Merciful. Praise be to Allah, the Lord of all the 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 طامِع أسيرٌ۔" This can be translated into English as,

Every coveter is a prisoner [of his desires].

Let us delve into the meanings of the important words in this Hadith and explore its profound implications in light of the Quran.

The word (tamī') "طامِع" refers to someone who covets or desires something intensely. It implies a strong attachment to worldly possessions, power, or status. Such a person is constantly consumed by their desires, which can lead to a state of imprisonment. This imprisonment is not physical, but rather a spiritual and psychological bondage that restricts one's freedom and hinders their spiritual growth.

To understand the depth of this Hadith, we can turn to the Quran for guidance. In Surah Al-Hashr (59:9), Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) warns us about the consequences of covetousness, saying,

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 seeking forgiveness and purifying our hearts from any resentment or envy towards others. Covetousness breeds jealousy and ill feelings towards those who possess what we desire, leading to a state of captivity within our own hearts.

Furthermore, in Surah Al-Isra (17:32), Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) advises us,

And do not approach unlawful sexual intercourse. Indeed, it is ever an immorality and is evil as a way.

This verse reminds us that indulging in unlawful desires, such as illicit relationships, is a form of imprisonment. It restricts our spiritual growth, tarnishes our character, and distances us from the path of righteousness.

Imam Ali's (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) Hadith warns us about the dangers of being consumed by our desires. When we become prisoners of our own covetousness, we lose sight of our true purpose in life, which is to seek nearness to Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) and strive for righteousness.

This Hadith serves as a reminder to Muslims that we should not allow our desires to control us. Instead, we should strive for contentment and gratitude for what Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) has bestowed upon us. By focusing on our spiritual growth and seeking the pleasure of Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ), we can free ourselves from the shackles of covetousness and attain true freedom.

Reflecting on this Hadith, we can see the profound consequences of being a prisoner to our desires. It not only hinders our spiritual growth but also affects our relationships with others. Covetousness can lead to envy, resentment, and even harmful actions towards those who possess what we desire. This Hadith reminds us to strive for self-control, contentment, and gratitude, as these qualities are essential for our spiritual well-being.

In conclusion, the Hadith of Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) teaches us a valuable lesson about the dangers of covetousness. By being aware of our desires and striving for contentment and gratitude, we can break free from the imprisonment of our own desires and attain true spiritual liberation. May Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) grant us the strength and wisdom to overcome our covetousness and seek His pleasure.