Hadith #6153

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 Arabic Hadith of Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) states,

مَنْ طَمِعَ ذَلَّ وتَعَنّى۔

This can be translated into English as,

One who covets becomes abased and undergoes hardship.

Let us delve into the meaning of the important words in this Hadith. The word (tamia) "طَمِعَ" refers to the act of coveting or desiring something intensely. It implies a strong desire for something that is not rightfully ours or that may cause harm to others. The word (dalla) "ذَلَّ" means to be humiliated or abased, while (ta'anna) "تَعَنَّى" signifies undergoing hardship or suffering.

To understand the beautiful message behind this Hadith, we can turn to the Quran for guidance. Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) warns us against covetousness in several verses. 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 avoid harboring envy or resentment towards others, as it can lead to humiliation and hardship.

Furthermore, in Surah Al-Qasas (28:76), 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.'

This verse highlights the story of Qarun, who was consumed by his covetousness for wealth and power. As a result, he faced a severe downfall and was humiliated by his own people.

The Hadith of Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) serves as a profound reminder for Muslims to avoid covetousness and its detrimental consequences. When we covet something that is not rightfully ours, we become consumed by our desires and lose sight of our moral compass. This can lead to a state of humiliation and hardship, both in this world and in the hereafter.

For instance, if a person covets someone else's wealth and resorts to dishonest means to acquire it, they may face legal consequences, damage their reputation, and suffer from guilt and remorse. Similarly, if one covets another person's position or status, they may engage in unethical behavior, leading to their own downfall and loss of respect.

On a spiritual level, covetousness can lead to a lack of contentment and gratitude. When we constantly desire what others have, we fail to appreciate the blessings bestowed upon us by Allah. This can result in a perpetual state of dissatisfaction and unhappiness, as we are always chasing after what we do not possess.

Imam Ali's (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) wisdom in this Hadith encourages us to cultivate contentment and gratitude in our hearts. By focusing on what we have been blessed with and striving to fulfill our needs within the boundaries of Islam, we can avoid the pitfalls of covetousness. This leads to a state of inner peace, tranquility, and satisfaction.

In conclusion, the Hadith of Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) serves as a powerful reminder for Muslims to refrain from covetousness. By reflecting on the consequences of coveting and the examples provided in the Quran, we can strive to cultivate contentment and gratitude in our lives. May Allah protect us from the harms of covetousness and grant us the strength to be satisfied with His blessings.