Hadith #6105

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 Arabic Hadith of Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) states, "الطمع مذلة حاضرة" which translates to

Covetousness is a present humiliation.

This thought-provoking Hadith of Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) highlights the negative consequences of greed and the importance of contentment in the life of a Muslim.

The word (at-tama') "الطمع" refers to covetousness or greed. It signifies an insatiable desire for wealth, power, or possessions. It is a state of constantly wanting more, never being satisfied with what one has. This insatiable desire can lead to a multitude of negative consequences, both in this world and the hereafter.

Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) describes covetousness as (mudhillah hadirah) "مذلة حاضرة", which can be translated as "present humiliation." This phrase emphasizes that the humiliation caused by covetousness is not something that will happen in the distant future, but rather it is a humiliation that one experiences in the present moment. It is a state of being disgraced and humiliated due to one's insatiable desires and the constant pursuit of worldly possessions.

To understand the profound wisdom behind Imam Ali's (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) statement, we can turn to the Quran for guidance. Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) warns us against the dangers of covetousness in several verses.

In Surah Al-Hashr (59:9), Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) says,

And those who, before them, had homes (in Medina) and had adopted the Faith, show their affection to such as came to them for refuge, and entertain no desire in their hearts for things given to the (latter), but give them preference over themselves, even though poverty was their (own lot). And those saved from the covetousness of their own souls, they are the ones that achieve prosperity.

This verse highlights the importance of selflessness and the rejection of covetousness. The believers are praised for not having any desire in their hearts for the possessions of others and for giving preference to those in need over themselves. By saving themselves from the covetousness of their own souls, they achieve true prosperity and success in the eyes of Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ).

In Surah Al-Qasas (28:77), Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) says,

But seek, through that which Allah has given you, the home of the Hereafter; and [yet], do not forget your share of the world. And do good as Allah has done good to you. And desire not corruption in the land. Indeed, Allah does not like corrupters.

This verse reminds us to seek the rewards of the Hereafter while not neglecting our share of the worldly possessions. It encourages us to do good and warns against desiring corruption in the land. Covetousness leads to corruption, as it breeds greed, dishonesty, and injustice. Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) dislikes those who engage in corrupt practices and desires.

Reflecting on Imam Ali's (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) statement and the supporting Quranic verses, we can understand that covetousness is a destructive trait that brings humiliation and disgrace to an individual. It is a constant pursuit of worldly possessions that never brings true satisfaction or contentment. Instead, it leads to a state of perpetual dissatisfaction and a neglect of the spiritual and moral aspects of life.

As Muslims, we are encouraged to seek contentment and gratitude for the blessings that Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) has bestowed upon us. We should strive to be selfless, generous, and compassionate towards others, rather than being consumed by our own desires. By doing so, we can attain true prosperity and success in both this world and the Hereafter.

May Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) protect us from the destructive trait of covetousness and grant us the ability to be content and grateful for His blessings. Ameen.