Hadith #2690

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, "الإحتكارُ رَذِيلَةٌ۔" This can be translated as

Hoarding is a vice.

In this Hadith, Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) highlights the negative consequences of hoarding and emphasizes its moral and spiritual implications.

To understand the significance of this Hadith, let us delve into the meanings of the key words. The term "الإحتكارُ" refers to the act of hoarding or monopolizing goods for personal gain, while "رَذِيلَةٌ" denotes a vice or an undesirable trait.

In the Quran, Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) repeatedly emphasizes the importance of fairness, justice, and the equitable distribution of resources. Hoarding, on the other hand, goes against these principles as it leads to the concentration of wealth in the hands of a few, causing deprivation and inequality in society.

Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) says in Surah Al-Hashr (59:7),

And what Allah restored to His Messenger from the people of the towns - it is for Allah and for the Messenger and for [his] near relatives and orphans and the [stranded] traveler - so that it will not be a perpetual distribution among the rich from among you. And whatever the Messenger has given you - take; and what he has forbidden you - refrain from. And fear Allah; indeed, Allah is severe in penalty.

This verse highlights the importance of not allowing wealth to be concentrated solely among the rich. It emphasizes the need for a fair distribution of resources, including the wealth given to the Prophet (ﷺ) and his family. Hoarding, in contrast, perpetuates the concentration of wealth and deprives others of their rightful share.

Furthermore, in Surah Al-Isra (17:80), Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) warns against the hoarding mentality, stating,

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 reminds us to seek sustenance from Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) and rely on Him, rather than accumulating wealth through hoarding.

Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ), being the epitome of knowledge and wisdom, understood the detrimental effects of hoarding on society. He recognized that hoarding not only leads to economic disparities but also breeds greed, selfishness, and a lack of compassion for others. By condemning hoarding as a vice, Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) emphasizes the importance of generosity, sharing, and caring for the less fortunate.

The consequences of hoarding are far-reaching. It not only hampers economic growth and development but also undermines social cohesion and harmony. When resources are concentrated in the hands of a few, it creates a sense of injustice and discontent among the marginalized segments of society. This can lead to social unrest, inequality, and a breakdown of trust within the community.

In contrast, Islam promotes a balanced approach to wealth and encourages Muslims to be mindful of the needs of others. The Prophet Muhammad (ﷺ) said,

The upper hand is better than the lower hand. The upper hand is the one that gives, and the lower hand is the one that receives.

This Hadith emphasizes the importance of giving and being charitable, as it brings blessings and purifies the soul.

Reflecting on the Hadith of Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) that hoarding is a vice, we are reminded of the need to be mindful of our actions and their impact on society. As Muslims, we should strive to emulate the noble qualities of generosity, fairness, and compassion demonstrated by the Prophet Muhammad (ﷺ) and his Ahl al-Bayt.

Let us remember that true wealth lies not in the accumulation of material possessions, but in the richness of our hearts and our willingness to share with others. May Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) guide us to be just and compassionate, and may He bless us with the wisdom to avoid the vices of hoarding and greed.