Hadith #6157

In the name of Allah, the Most Gracious, the Most Merciful. Praise be to Allah, the Lord of all the 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, "الطامعُ أبدًا ذليلٌ," which translates to

The coveter is forever abased.

This beautiful Hadith of Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) highlights the negative consequences of covetousness and the inherent humiliation that accompanies it.

The word (al-taamir) "الطامع" refers to someone who covets or desires something that belongs to others. This person is driven by greed and an insatiable desire for material possessions, power, or status. Such a person is never content with what they have and constantly seeks to acquire more, even if it means resorting to unethical or unjust means.

Imam Ali's (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) statement draws our attention to the consequences of this covetous behavior. The word (abadan) "أبدًا" emphasizes the eternal nature of the abasement and humiliation that befalls the coveter. This implies that their pursuit of worldly desires will ultimately lead to their degradation and loss in this life and the hereafter.

To understand the depth and significance of this Hadith, we can turn to the Quran for guidance. Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) warns us against the destructive nature of covetousness in several verses. For example, in Surah Al-Hashr (59:9), Allah says,

And those who came after them say, 'Our Lord, forgive us and our brothers who preceded us in faith and put not in our hearts [any] resentment toward those who have believed. Our Lord, indeed You are Kind and Merciful.'

This verse reminds us to seek forgiveness and avoid harboring resentment or envy towards our fellow believers. Covetousness often stems from feelings of jealousy and discontentment with what Allah has bestowed upon others. By seeking forgiveness and purifying our hearts from such negative emotions, we can protect ourselves from the abasement mentioned in the Hadith.

Another verse that sheds light on the consequences of covetousness is found in Surah Al-Qasas (28:76), where Allah says,

Indeed, Qarun was from the people of Moses, but he tyrannized them. And We gave him of treasures whose keys would burden a band of strong men; thereupon his people said to him, 'Do not exult. Indeed, Allah does not like the exultant.'

The story of Qarun serves as a cautionary tale about the dangers of covetousness and arrogance. Qarun was blessed with immense wealth and power, but he became consumed by his desires and oppressed his own people. As a result, he was ultimately humiliated and destroyed by Allah. This serves as a powerful reminder that covetousness can lead to not only personal downfall but also harm to others.

Imam Ali's (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) Hadith urges us to reflect on our own desires and motivations. It reminds us that true honor and dignity lie in contentment and gratitude for what Allah has bestowed upon us. Covetousness, on the other hand, leads to a perpetual state of humiliation and dissatisfaction.

As Muslims, we should strive to cultivate a sense of contentment and trust in Allah's divine decree. We should be grateful for the blessings we have been granted and avoid comparing ourselves to others. By focusing on our own spiritual growth and seeking the pleasure of Allah, we can free ourselves from the shackles of covetousness and attain true peace and tranquility in this life and the hereafter.

May Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) protect us from the destructive consequences of covetousness and grant us the strength to be content and grateful for His blessings. Ameen.