Hadith #2087

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, "ثَمَرَةُ الحِرْصِ العَناءُ۔" This can be translated into English as,

The fruit of greed is hardship.

Let us delve into the deeper meanings of this beautiful saying of Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) in light of the Quran. The word (thamaratu) "ثَمَرَةُ" refers to the fruit or consequence of an action. (al-hirs) "الحِرْصِ" denotes greed or excessive desire for worldly possessions. And (al-'ana') "العَناءُ" signifies hardship or difficulty.

The Quran provides us with numerous verses that emphasize the negative consequences of greed and the importance of contentment. Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) says in Surah Al-Baqarah (2:96),

And you will surely find them the most greedy of people for life - [even] more than those who associate others with Allah. One of them wishes that he could be granted life a thousand years, but it would not remove him in the least from the [coming] punishment that he should be granted life.

This verse highlights the insatiable nature of greed and how it blinds individuals from the reality of the Hereafter.

Furthermore, in Surah Al-Hashr (59:9), Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) warns against the consequences of greed by saying,

And [also for] those who were settled in the home and [adopted] faith before them. They love those who emigrated to them and find not any want in their breasts of what the emigrants were given but give [them] preference over themselves, even though they are in privation. And whoever is protected from the stinginess of his soul - it is those who will be the successful.

This verse highlights the virtue of selflessness and the rewards that come with it, contrasting it with the negative trait of stinginess.

Imam Ali's (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) statement reminds us that greed leads to hardship and difficulties in various aspects of life. When one becomes consumed by the desire for worldly possessions, they may engage in unethical practices, neglect their spiritual growth, and harm their relationships with others. Greed blinds individuals from the blessings and contentment that can be found in gratitude and moderation.

For example, greed can lead to financial troubles and debt, as one constantly strives for more wealth without considering the consequences. It can also strain relationships, as the desire for material possessions can overshadow the importance of love, compassion, and empathy. Moreover, greed can lead to a neglect of one's spiritual well-being, as the pursuit of worldly gains takes precedence over seeking closeness to Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ).

Imam Ali's (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) statement serves as a reminder for Muslims to cultivate contentment and gratitude in their hearts. It encourages us to prioritize spiritual growth, ethical conduct, and the well-being of others over the pursuit of material possessions. By doing so, we can avoid the hardships and difficulties that greed brings upon us and instead find peace and tranquility in the blessings bestowed upon us by Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ).

In conclusion, the Hadith of Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ),

The fruit of greed is hardship,

serves as a powerful reminder for Muslims to be mindful of the negative consequences of excessive desire for worldly possessions. It aligns with the teachings of the Quran, which emphasize the importance of contentment, selflessness, and gratitude. By reflecting on this Hadith and implementing its teachings in our lives, we can strive for a balanced and fulfilling existence, free from the hardships that greed brings. May Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) guide us all on the path of righteousness and protect us from the pitfalls of greed.