Hadith #6092

In the name of Allah, the Most Gracious, the Most Merciful. May peace and blessings be upon the Prophet Muhammad (ﷺ), his pure progeny, and his noble companions.

The Arabic Hadith of Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) states, "أضَرُّ شَيْء اَلطَّمَعُ۔" which translates to

The most harmful thing is covetousness.

This impactful saying of Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) highlights the detrimental nature of greed and the negative consequences it can have on an individual and society as a whole.

To understand the depth of this statement, let us delve into the meanings of the key words. (adarru) "أضَرُّ" refers to something that is harmful, detrimental, or damaging. (shay') "شَيْء" means a thing or an object. And (at-tama') "الطَّمَعُ" refers to covetousness, greed, or an insatiable desire for more.

The Quran provides us with several verses that shed light on the dangers of covetousness and the negative consequences it can bring. Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) warns us in Surah Al-Baqarah, verse 188:

And do not consume one another's wealth unjustly or send it [in bribery] to the rulers in order that [they might aid] you [to] consume a portion of the wealth of the people in sin, while you know [it is unlawful].

This verse emphasizes the prohibition of unjustly acquiring wealth from others, which is a manifestation of covetousness.

Furthermore, in Surah Al-Isra, verse 80, Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) warns against the consequences of greed:

And We have certainly created man from an extract of clay. Then We placed him as a sperm-drop in a firm lodging. Then We made the sperm-drop into a clinging clot, and We made the clot into a lump [of flesh], and We made [from] the lump, bones, and We covered the bones with flesh; then We developed him into another creation. So blessed is Allah, the best of creators. Then indeed, after that you are to die. Then indeed you, on the Day of Resurrection, will be resurrected.

This verse reminds us of the transient nature of worldly possessions and the fact that we will eventually leave everything behind. It serves as a powerful reminder that our focus should not be solely on accumulating material wealth, but rather on seeking the pleasure of Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) and preparing for the Hereafter.

Imam Ali's (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) statement highlights the destructive nature of covetousness. When one becomes consumed by greed, they lose sight of the true purpose of life and become engrossed in the pursuit of worldly possessions. This insatiable desire for more can lead to unethical behavior, such as exploitation, dishonesty, and even oppression, as individuals may resort to unjust means to acquire wealth.

Moreover, covetousness breeds discontentment and dissatisfaction. Instead of being grateful for the blessings bestowed upon them, individuals driven by greed are constantly seeking more, never finding true fulfillment. This perpetual cycle of desire can lead to a restless and unsatisfied heart, devoid of inner peace and tranquility.

Imam Ali's (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) statement serves as a profound reminder for Muslims to guard against the harmful effects of covetousness. It encourages us to cultivate contentment and gratitude for what we have, rather than constantly yearning for more. By focusing on the spiritual and moral development of our souls, we can find true fulfillment and happiness in the remembrance of Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) and the pursuit of righteousness.

In conclusion, the Hadith of Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) serves as a powerful reminder for Muslims to be cautious of the destructive nature of covetousness. By reflecting on the Quranic verses that highlight the dangers of greed and the consequences it can bring, we are reminded to prioritize spiritual growth, contentment, and gratitude over the pursuit of material possessions. May Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) protect us from the harms of covetousness and grant us the strength to seek His pleasure above all else.