Hadith #6138

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

The Arabic Hadith of Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) states,

يَسيرُ الطَّمَعِ يُفْسِدُ كَثيرَ الوَرَعِ

which translates to

A little covetousness corrupts a lot of piety.

This thought-provoking Hadith of Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) highlights the destructive nature of greed and the negative impact it can have on one's spiritual state.

Let us delve into the key words of this Hadith to gain a deeper understanding. The word (tam'a) "طَمَع" refers to covetousness or greed, which is an insatiable desire for wealth, power, or possessions. It is a characteristic that leads one to constantly seek more, without considering the consequences or the rights of others. On the other hand, (wara') "وَرَع" refers to piety or righteousness, which encompasses a deep sense of God-consciousness and adherence to moral principles.

To support the exegesis of this Hadith, we can turn to the Quran for guidance. Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) warns us in Surah Al-Humazah (104:1-2),

Woe to every scorner and mocker, who collects wealth and [continuously] counts it.

This ayah highlights the negative consequences of greed and the obsession with accumulating wealth. It shows that those who are consumed by covetousness lose sight of their spiritual well-being and become engrossed in materialistic pursuits.

Furthermore, in Surah Al-Isra (17:80), Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) states,

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 importance of seeking sustenance from Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) and relying on Him for our needs, rather than being consumed by the desire for worldly possessions. It reminds us that true piety lies in trusting in Allah's provision and being content with what He has bestowed upon us.

Imam Ali's (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) Hadith serves as a powerful reminder for Muslims to be cautious of the destructive nature of greed. Covetousness can lead to a multitude of sins and corrupt one's piety. When an individual becomes consumed by the desire for more, they may resort to dishonesty, exploitation, and neglect of their religious obligations. This not only harms their own spiritual well-being but also has detrimental effects on society as a whole.

For example, imagine a person who is constantly driven by greed and covetousness. They may resort to unethical practices in their business dealings, exploiting others for personal gain. This not only harms the individuals they exploit but also erodes the trust and integrity within the community. Moreover, their obsession with wealth and possessions may lead them to neglect their religious duties, such as giving to charity or fulfilling the rights of others. This neglect further distances them from the path of piety and righteousness.

Conversely, a person who is content with what Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) has provided and is free from the shackles of greed, is more likely to engage in acts of charity, kindness, and justice. They prioritize the well-being of others and strive to uphold the principles of Islam. Their piety is not tainted by the corrupting influence of covetousness, and they are more likely to lead a righteous and fulfilling life.

In conclusion, Imam Ali's (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) Hadith serves as a profound reminder for Muslims to be vigilant against the destructive nature of greed. Covetousness can corrupt one's piety and lead to a multitude of sins. By reflecting on the Quranic verses that emphasize the importance of contentment and trust in Allah's provision, we are reminded to prioritize our spiritual well-being over worldly desires. May Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) protect us from the pitfalls of greed and guide us on the path of righteousness.