Hadith #2065

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 Hadith of Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) states,

Greed is one of the two miseries.

This concise statement by Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) highlights the destructive nature of greed and its negative impact on an individual's spiritual and worldly well-being.

The word "al-hirs" in Arabic refers to an intense desire or craving for wealth, possessions, or power. It is a state of excessive attachment to material possessions, often leading to selfishness, injustice, and disregard for the rights of others. The word "shiqayat" means miseries or afflictions, indicating that greed is one of the two sources of human suffering and discontentment.

To understand the significance of this Hadith, we can turn to the Quran for guidance. Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) warns against the dangers of greed in several verses. In Surah Al-Isra, Allah says, (Quran 20:131)

And do not extend your eyes toward that by which We have given enjoyment to [some] categories of them, [its being but] the splendor of worldly life by which We test them. And the provision of your Lord is better and more enduring

This verse reminds us that the material possessions and worldly pleasures we desire are merely temporary and fleeting. They are a test from Allah to see how we handle our wealth and whether we prioritize it over our spiritual growth. Greed blinds us to the true purpose of life and leads us to chase after temporary pleasures, neglecting our duties towards Allah and our fellow human beings.

Another verse that sheds light on the destructive nature of greed is found in Surah Al-Humazah, where Allah says, (Quran 104:1-3)

Woe to every scorner and mocker who collects wealth and [continuously] counts it. He thinks that his wealth will make him immortal. No! He will surely be thrown into the Crusher

This verse describes the mindset of a greedy individual who hoards wealth and becomes obsessed with its accumulation. Such a person believes that their wealth will grant them security and immortality, but in reality, it only leads to their own destruction. The Crusher mentioned in the verse refers to the punishment in the Hereafter for those who prioritize worldly possessions over their spiritual well-being.

Imam Ali's (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) Hadith serves as a powerful reminder for Muslims to be cautious of the dangers of greed. When we become consumed by our desires for wealth and power, we lose sight of our purpose in this world and neglect our responsibilities towards Allah and our fellow human beings.

Greed leads to a multitude of negative consequences. It breeds selfishness, causing us to prioritize our own interests above the needs of others. It fosters an environment of injustice, as the greedy seek to amass wealth at the expense of the less fortunate. Greed also creates a never-ending cycle of dissatisfaction, as the more we acquire, the more we desire, leading to perpetual discontentment.

Moreover, greed tarnishes our spiritual state, hindering our ability to connect with Allah and seek His pleasure. It distracts us from the remembrance of Allah and diminishes our sense of gratitude for the blessings we have been bestowed. Instead of using our wealth and resources to benefit society and uplift those in need, greed compels us to hoard and accumulate more, leaving us spiritually bankrupt.

Imam Ali's (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) beautiful Hadith serves as a timeless reminder for Muslims to guard against the destructive nature of greed. By recognizing the transient nature of worldly possessions and prioritizing our spiritual growth, we can free ourselves from the shackles of greed and find true contentment in the remembrance of Allah and the service of humanity. May Allah protect us from the miseries of greed and guide us on the path of righteousness.