Hadith #6113

In the name of Allah, the Most Gracious, the Most Merciful. Praise be to Allah, the Lord of all the worlds. Peace and blessings be upon our beloved Prophet Muhammad (ﷺ), his purified progeny, and his noble companions.

The Arabic Hadith of Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) states, "ثَمَرَةُ الطَّمَعِ الشَّقاءُ۔" This can be translated as,

The fruit of covetousness is wretchedness.

Let us delve into the meaning of this Hadith in light of the Quran.

The word (tam'a) "طَمَع" in Arabic refers to a strong desire or greed for something, especially material possessions or worldly gains. It is the intense longing for something that is not rightfully ours or that we do not need. This excessive desire can lead to avarice, envy, and a disregard for the rights of others. Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) warns us that the outcome of such covetousness is (shaqaa) "شَّقَاء", which means wretchedness or misery.

The Quran provides us with numerous verses that emphasize the dangers and negative consequences of covetousness. In Surah Al-Hashr (59:9), Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) warns us against the love of worldly possessions and the pursuit of material wealth at the expense of our spiritual well-being. Allah says,

And those who, before them, had homes (in Medina) and had adopted the Faith, love those who emigrate to them, and have no jealousy in their breasts for that which they have been given (from the booty of Bani An-Nadir), and give them (emigrants) preference over themselves, even though they were in need of that. And whosoever is saved from his own covetousness, such are they who will be the successful.

This verse highlights the importance of selflessness and the rejection of covetousness. The believers are encouraged to prioritize the needs of others over their own desires and to be content with what they have. By doing so, they attain success and protect themselves from the wretchedness that comes with greed and envy.

Another verse that sheds light on the consequences of covetousness is found in Surah Al-Imran (3:180). Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) says,

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. And to Allah belongs the heritage of the heavens and the earth. And Allah, with what you do, is [fully] Acquainted.

This verse serves as a reminder that withholding what Allah has bestowed upon us out of greed or covetousness is not beneficial in any way. In fact, it is detrimental to our own souls. On the Day of Resurrection, those who hoarded their wealth and denied others their rights will find themselves burdened by the weight of their own greed. They will face the consequences of their actions, and their wretchedness will be evident.

Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) highlights the profound truth that covetousness leads to wretchedness. When we are consumed by our desires for worldly possessions, we become blinded to the true purpose of our existence - to seek the pleasure of Allah and to serve others selflessly. Covetousness breeds discontentment, envy, and a constant pursuit of material gains, which ultimately leads to a life filled with misery and dissatisfaction.

On the other hand, contentment and gratitude are qualities that bring about peace and tranquility in our lives. The Quran encourages us to be grateful for the blessings that Allah has bestowed upon us and to be content with what we have. In Surah Al-Baqarah (2:152), Allah says,

So remember Me; I will remember you. And be grateful to Me and do not deny Me.

When we are grateful for the blessings we have, we develop a sense of contentment and appreciation for Allah's provisions. This contentment shields us from the negative effects of covetousness and allows us to find true happiness and fulfillment in our lives.

In conclusion, the Hadith of Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) serves as a profound reminder for Muslims to guard against the dangers of covetousness. By reflecting on the Quranic verses that emphasize the negative consequences of greed and the importance of contentment, we can strive to cultivate gratitude, selflessness, and a detachment from worldly possessions. May Allah protect us from the wretchedness of covetousness and grant us the ability to find contentment and peace in His guidance.