Hadith #6149

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

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

مَنْ لَزِمَ الطَّمَعَ عَدِمَ الوَرَعَ۔

This can be translated as,

One who clings to covetousness is deprived of piety.

Let us delve into the deeper meaning of this enlightening saying in light of the Quran.

The word (tam'a) "طَمَعَ" refers to an intense desire or greed for material possessions, wealth, or worldly gains. It signifies a person's inclination towards accumulating more and more, often at the expense of others. This excessive desire for worldly possessions can lead to a neglect of spiritual values and a lack of contentment with what Allah has already bestowed upon us.

On the other hand, the word (wara'a) "وَرَعَ" refers to piety, righteousness, and the fear of Allah. It encompasses a sense of self-restraint, moderation, and the ability to control one's desires and impulses. It is a quality that enables a person to prioritize their relationship with Allah over worldly pursuits.

The Hadith of Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) warns us that those who become slaves to their desires and constantly seek after material gains will ultimately be deprived of piety. This deprivation occurs because their preoccupation with worldly possessions blinds them to the spiritual realities and the true purpose of their existence.

The Quran supports this wise utterance of Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) in numerous verses. Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) says in Surah Al-Isra (17:80),

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 highlights the importance of seeking sustenance from Allah's presence rather than relying solely on material possessions. It emphasizes the need for a balanced approach to worldly affairs, where one's focus remains on the spiritual aspect of life.

Furthermore, in Surah Al-Qasas (28:77), Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) states,

But seek, with that (wealth) which Allah has bestowed on you, the home of the Hereafter, and forget not your portion of lawful enjoyment in this world.

This verse encourages Muslims to seek the Hereafter while also enjoying the lawful pleasures of this world. It reminds us that material possessions are a means to an end, and our ultimate goal should be the attainment of piety and the everlasting rewards of the Hereafter.

Imam Ali's (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) statement serves as a profound reminder for Muslims to strike a balance between their worldly pursuits and their spiritual obligations. It urges us to prioritize our relationship with Allah and to avoid becoming slaves to our desires and material possessions.

When one becomes consumed by greed and covetousness, their focus shifts from the remembrance of Allah and the pursuit of righteousness. They become blinded by their desires, leading to a neglect of their spiritual well-being. This deprivation of piety has severe consequences, as it distances a person from the path of guidance and righteousness.

In contrast, those who practice self-restraint and moderation in their pursuit of worldly gains are more likely to maintain a strong connection with Allah. They understand that true contentment lies in seeking His pleasure and prioritizing their spiritual growth. By avoiding excessive attachment to material possessions, they are able to focus on fulfilling their religious obligations and nurturing their relationship with Allah.

In conclusion, the Hadith of Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) serves as a powerful reminder for Muslims to be cautious of the dangers of covetousness and excessive desire for worldly possessions. It highlights the importance of maintaining a balance between our material pursuits and our spiritual obligations. By prioritizing piety over covetousness, we can attain true contentment and draw closer to Allah. May Allah guide us all on the path of righteousness and protect us from the pitfalls of greed and materialism.