Hadith #6122

In the name of Allah, the Most Gracious, the Most Merciful. Praise be to Allah, the Lord of all the worlds. 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, "ضادُّوا الطَّمَعَ بِالوَرَعِ۔" This can be translated as

Oppose covetousness with piety.

Let us delve into the meanings of the important words in this Hadith to gain a deeper understanding.

The word (tam'a) "طَمَعَ" refers to an intense desire or greed for worldly possessions and material wealth. It is a state of constantly wanting more and never being satisfied. This excessive longing for material things can lead to harmful consequences, both for individuals and society as a whole.

On the other hand, the word (wara') "وَرَعِ" refers to piety, righteousness, and the fear of Allah. It encompasses a deep sense of God-consciousness and a sincere desire to please Him in all aspects of life. It is a state of being mindful of one's actions and constantly striving to do what is right and just.

To understand the significance of opposing covetousness with piety, we can turn to the Quran for guidance. Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) says in Surah Al-Baqarah, verse 197:

And take provisions, but indeed, the best provision is piety. So fear Me, O you of understanding.

This verse emphasizes that the true provision for our journey in this world is not material wealth, but rather piety. It is through piety that we attain the true success and satisfaction that our souls yearn for.

Furthermore, in Surah Al-Qasas, verse 77, Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) says:

But seek, through that which Allah has given you, the home of the Hereafter; and [yet], do not forget your share of the world. And do good as Allah has done good to you. And desire not corruption in the land. Indeed, Allah does not like corrupters.

This verse highlights the importance of balancing our desires for worldly possessions with our ultimate goal of attaining the eternal abode in the Hereafter. We are reminded to use the blessings bestowed upon us by Allah to seek His pleasure and to do good in the world, while avoiding any inclination towards corruption or greed.

Now, let us reflect on the profound wisdom behind Imam Ali's (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) statement. Covetousness, or an insatiable desire for material wealth, can lead to a multitude of negative consequences. It can breed envy, selfishness, and a disregard for the rights of others. It can also distract us from our true purpose in life, which is to worship Allah and seek His pleasure.

By opposing covetousness with piety, we are reminded to prioritize our spiritual well-being over our material desires. Piety acts as a shield against the harmful effects of greed and helps us maintain a balanced and righteous approach towards wealth and possessions. It encourages us to be content with what Allah has blessed us with and to use our resources in a manner that benefits ourselves and society as a whole.

Imam Ali's (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) thought-provoking saying serves as a timeless reminder for Muslims to cultivate piety in their hearts and to resist the temptations of covetousness. It encourages us to seek spiritual growth and to strive for a higher purpose in life. By embodying the qualities of piety, we can attain true success and fulfillment in this world and the Hereafter.

May Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) grant us the wisdom and strength to oppose covetousness with piety, and may He bless us with contentment and righteousness in all aspects of our lives.