Hadith #1437

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

The Arabic Hadith of Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) states, "لا غُرْبَةَ كالشُّحِّ۔" This can be translated as,

There is no alienation like avarice.

In this beautiful saying, Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) highlights the detrimental nature of greed and its ability to isolate individuals from their communities and from the blessings of Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ).

To fully comprehend the significance of this Hadith, let us delve into the meanings of the key words. "Ghurba" refers to alienation or estrangement, while "shuh" means avarice or greed. The word "ghurba" carries a sense of being distant or separated, and it can manifest in various forms such as physical separation, emotional detachment, or spiritual isolation. On the other hand, "shuh" refers to an insatiable desire for wealth or possessions, often accompanied by a reluctance to share or give to others.

To support the wisdom of Imam Ali's (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) statement, we find numerous Quranic verses that emphasize the negative consequences of greed and the importance of generosity. In Surah Al-Hashr (59:9), Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) warns against the destructive nature of greed, stating,

And whoever is saved from the avarice of his soul - it is those who will be the successful.

This verse highlights the importance of overcoming the selfish desires of the soul, as those who are able to do so will attain true success in this world and the Hereafter.

Furthermore, in Surah Al-Isra (17:80), Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) condemns those who withhold their wealth and possessions out of greed, saying,

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 need for seeking sustenance from Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) rather than relying solely on material possessions. It reminds us that true sustenance comes from Allah's blessings, and hoarding wealth out of greed only leads to spiritual impoverishment.

Imam Ali's (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) statement serves as a powerful reminder for Muslims to reflect on their own attitudes towards wealth and possessions. Avarice not only isolates individuals from their communities, but it also distances them from the blessings and mercy of Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ). Greed blinds individuals to the needs of others and prevents them from fulfilling their obligations towards society.

Moreover, the consequences of greed extend beyond material wealth. It can lead to a spiritual poverty that hinders one's connection with Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ). When one becomes consumed by the desire for more, they neglect their duty to seek closeness to Allah and fail to fulfill their responsibilities towards their fellow Muslims. This spiritual alienation can have lasting effects on both the individual and the community, leading to a breakdown in trust, unity, and overall well-being.

In contrast, the teachings of Islam emphasize the virtues of generosity and selflessness. The Quran repeatedly encourages Muslims to give in charity and share their wealth with those in need. In Surah Al-Baqarah (2:177), Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) states,

Righteousness is not that you turn your faces toward the east or the west, but [true] righteousness is [in] one who believes in Allah, the Last Day, the angels, the Book, and the prophets and gives wealth, in spite of love for it, to relatives, orphans, the needy, the traveler, those who ask [for help], and for freeing slaves.

This verse highlights the importance of giving generously, even when it may be difficult to part with one's wealth.

In conclusion, Imam Ali's (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) Hadith serves as a profound reminder for Muslims to reflect on their relationship with wealth and possessions. Avarice and greed not only isolate individuals from their communities but also distance them from the blessings and mercy of Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ). By cultivating a spirit of generosity and selflessness, Muslims can strengthen their connection with Allah and contribute to the well-being of their communities. May Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) guide us all to overcome the destructive nature of greed and lead lives of compassion and generosity.