Hadith #2098

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, "قَتَلَ الحِرْصُ راكِبَهُ۔" This can be translated as,

Greed [is a mount that] kills its rider.

This enlightening saying of Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) highlights the destructive nature of greed and its consequences.

To understand the depth of this Hadith, let us first explore the meaning of the key words used. (qatala) "قَتَلَ" means to kill or cause death. (al-hirsu) "الحِرْصُ" refers to greed or excessive desire. And (rakibahu) "راكِبَهُ" can be translated as its rider or the one who is mounted.

The Quran provides us with several verses that shed light on the dangers and negative consequences of greed. In Surah Al-Isra (17:80), Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) warns against the destructive nature of greed, saying,

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. And We have created above you seven layered heavens, and never have We been of [Our] creation unaware. And We have sent down rain from the sky in a measured amount and settled it in the earth. And indeed, We are Able to take it away. And We brought forth for you thereby gardens of palm trees and grapevines in which for you are abundant fruits and from which you eat. And [We brought forth] a tree issuing from Mount Sinai which produces oil and food for those who eat. And indeed, for you in livestock is a lesson. We give you drink from what is in their bellies - between excretion and blood - pure milk, palatable to drinkers. And from the fruits of the palm trees and grapevines you take intoxicant and good provision. Indeed in that is a sign for a people who reason.

From this passage, we can understand that Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) has provided us with abundant blessings and provisions. However, the excessive desire for more, the greed, can lead to negative consequences. It can blind us to the blessings we already have and cause us to become ungrateful. Greed can also lead to unethical behavior, as one may resort to dishonesty, exploitation, or hoarding wealth at the expense of others.

Imam Ali's (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) statement emphasizes the self-destructive nature of greed. Just as a rider who becomes consumed by greed loses control of their mount and falls to their demise, a person who allows greed to consume them will ultimately suffer the consequences. Greed can lead to a never-ending pursuit of material possessions, power, and wealth, leaving no room for contentment, peace, and spiritual growth.

Reflecting on this Hadith, we are reminded of the importance of moderation and contentment in our lives. Islam teaches us to seek lawful provisions and enjoy the blessings bestowed upon us by Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ), but not to become enslaved by our desires. We should strive for balance and be grateful for what we have, rather than constantly chasing after more.

In conclusion, Imam Ali's (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) Hadith serves as a powerful reminder for Muslims to guard against the destructive nature of greed. By recognizing the dangers of excessive desire and striving for contentment, we can lead more fulfilling and spiritually enriching lives. May Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) protect us from the harms of greed and guide us on the path of moderation and righteousness.