Hadith #2129

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 Hadith of Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) states,

One for whom greed of worldly possessions is coupled with stinginess has held fast to the two pillars of ignobility.

This thought-provoking saying of Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) highlights the negative consequences of being both greedy and stingy, and it serves as a reminder for Muslims to avoid such qualities.

Let us delve into the important words of this Hadith to gain a deeper understanding. The word (jumia) "جُمِعَ" means to be combined or united. In this context, it refers to the combination of two negative traits: greed and stinginess. Greed, or (al-hirs 'ala al-dunya) "الحِرْصِ عَلَى الدُّنيا", signifies an intense desire for worldly possessions and material wealth. Stinginess, or (al-bukhl) "البُخْلُ", refers to a reluctance to spend or share one's wealth, even when it is within one's means to do so.

To understand the significance of this Hadith, we can turn to the Quran for guidance. Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) warns against the love of worldly possessions in Surah Al-Imran, verse 14, where He says,

Beautified for people is the love of that which they desire - of women and sons, heaped-up sums of gold and silver, fine branded horses, and cattle and tilled land. That is the enjoyment of worldly life, but Allah has with Him the best return.

This verse reminds us that while the enjoyment of worldly possessions may be tempting, true success lies in seeking the pleasure of Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) and preparing for the hereafter.

Furthermore, the Quran also emphasizes the importance of generosity and spending in the way of Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ). In Surah Al-Baqarah, verse 261, Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) says,

The example of those who spend their wealth in the way of Allah is like a seed [of grain] which grows seven spikes; in each spike is a hundred grains. And Allah multiplies [His reward] for whom He wills. And Allah is all-Encompassing and Knowing.

This verse highlights the immense reward and blessings that come with being generous and spending in the cause of Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ).

Imam Ali's (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) Hadith serves as a reminder to Muslims about the negative consequences of being both greedy and stingy. When a person is consumed by greed for worldly possessions and is also unwilling to share or spend their wealth, they are holding onto the

two pillars of ignobility.

This means that they are firmly rooted in a state of dishonor and moral degradation.

The motivation behind this Hadith is to encourage Muslims to adopt the qualities of generosity, selflessness, and detachment from worldly possessions. By doing so, they can attain spiritual elevation and draw closer to Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ). Generosity not only benefits the recipients of our charity, but it also purifies our hearts and strengthens our relationship with Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ).

The consequences of being both greedy and stingy are manifold. Such a person becomes trapped in a cycle of materialistic pursuits, constantly seeking more wealth and possessions. This obsession with worldly gains can lead to a neglect of one's spiritual development and a disregard for the needs of others. Additionally, being stingy prevents the individual from experiencing the joy and blessings that come with giving and helping those in need.

Reflecting on this Hadith, Muslims are reminded to evaluate their own attitudes towards wealth and possessions. It encourages us to be mindful of our intentions when pursuing worldly gains and to be generous in sharing our blessings with others. By embodying the qualities of generosity and detachment from material possessions, we can strive towards a higher level of spirituality and earn the pleasure of Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ).

In conclusion, the Hadith of Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) serves as a profound reminder for Muslims to avoid the combination of greed and stinginess. By reflecting on the words of this Hadith and seeking guidance from the Quran, we can strive to embody the qualities of generosity, selflessness, and detachment from worldly possessions. May Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) grant us the wisdom and strength to overcome these negative traits and to be among those who are generous and giving.