Hadith #2110

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 the Prophet Muhammad (ﷺ), his pure progeny, and his noble companions.

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

مُسْتَعْمِلُ الحِرْصِ شَقِيٌّ مَذْمُومٌ۔

This can be translated as,

One who acts greedily is wretched and dispraised.

In this Hadith, Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) warns against the negative consequences of greed and highlights its moral reprehensibility.

To better understand the significance of this Hadith, let us delve into the meanings of key words. The word "مُسْتَعْمِلُ" refers to someone who actively engages in or practices a particular behavior. In this context, it signifies a person who consistently acts upon their greed. The term "الحِرْصِ" refers to greed or avarice, which is the intense desire for wealth, possessions, or power. It is an insatiable craving that drives individuals to pursue their own interests at the expense of others. The word "شَقِيٌّ" means wretched or miserable, indicating the state of unhappiness and discontentment that befalls those who succumb to greed. Lastly, "مَذْمُومٌ" means dispraised or condemned, highlighting the moral reprehensibility and societal disapproval of such behavior.

The Quran provides numerous verses that reinforce the teachings of this Hadith and emphasize the negative consequences of greed. In Surah Al-Isra (17:80), Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) warns against the destructive nature of greed, stating,

And We have destined for them therein a life of disgrace, and the punishment of the Hereafter is more disgracing, and they will not be helped.

This verse highlights the humiliation and punishment that awaits those who prioritize their own selfish desires over the well-being of others.

Furthermore, in Surah Al-Takathur (102:1-2), Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) reminds us of the futility of accumulating worldly possessions, stating,

Competition in [worldly] increase diverts you until you visit the graveyards.

This verse serves as a reminder that the pursuit of material wealth and possessions can distract us from our ultimate purpose in life and lead us away from the remembrance of Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ).

Imam Ali's (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) Hadith serves as a profound reminder for Muslims to reflect upon their own actions and intentions. Greed is a destructive trait that not only harms individuals but also disrupts the harmony and justice within society. When individuals prioritize their own desires and interests over the needs of others, it leads to inequality, exploitation, and social unrest. Greed blinds individuals from recognizing the blessings bestowed upon them by Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) and prevents them from fulfilling their responsibilities towards their fellow human beings.

Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ), known for his unparalleled knowledge and wisdom, warns us against the dangers of greed. He reminds us that those who act greedily are not only wretched in this world but also face condemnation in the eyes of Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ). By adhering to the teachings of Islam and the guidance of the Quran, Muslims are encouraged to cultivate qualities such as contentment, generosity, and selflessness. These virtues not only bring about personal happiness and fulfillment but also contribute to the betterment of society as a whole.

In conclusion, the Hadith of Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) serves as a timeless reminder for Muslims to avoid the destructive path of greed. By reflecting upon the consequences of greed and aligning our actions with the teachings of the Quran, we can strive to become individuals who are content, generous, and compassionate. May Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) protect us from the pitfalls of greed and guide us towards a life of righteousness and piety.