Hadith #2695

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, "الإحْتِكارُ شِيمَةُ الفُجّارِ۔" This Hadith can be translated as,

Hoarding is the practice of the vicious.

Let us delve into the meaning of the key words in this Hadith. (Al-Ihtikar) "الإحْتِكارُ" refers to the act of hoarding or accumulating excessive wealth or resources. It implies the selfish and excessive accumulation of goods, without any intention of sharing or utilizing them for the benefit of others. (Shi'mah) "شِيمَةُ" means the characteristic or trait, and (Al-Fujjar) "الفُجّارِ" refers to the wicked or sinful individuals.

To understand the impactful message of this Hadith, we can turn to the Quran for guidance. Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) repeatedly emphasizes the importance of moderation, generosity, and sharing in the Quran. In Surah Al-Hashr, Allah says, (Quran 76:8-9)

And they give food in spite of love for it to the needy, the orphan, and the captive, [Saying], 'We feed you only for the countenance of Allah. We wish not from you reward or gratitude.'

This verse highlights the virtue of selflessness and the act of giving without expecting anything in return. It encourages Muslims to share their blessings with those in need, rather than hoarding their wealth for personal gain. Hoarding, on the other hand, goes against the principles of generosity and compassion that Islam promotes.

Hoarding not only deprives others of their rightful share, but it also reflects a lack of trust in Allah's provision. Allah assures us in the Quran, (Quran 11:6)

And there is no creature on earth but that upon Allah is its provision, and He knows its place of dwelling and place of storage. All is in a clear register.

This verse reminds us that Allah is the ultimate provider, and He has already decreed the sustenance for every living being. Hoarding, therefore, stems from a mindset of fear and insecurity, as it implies a lack of trust in Allah's promise of sustenance.

Furthermore, hoarding can have detrimental consequences on both an individual and societal level. On an individual level, excessive accumulation of wealth can lead to arrogance, greed, and a distorted sense of self-worth. It can create a false sense of security and attachment to worldly possessions, diverting one's attention away from the pursuit of spiritual growth and the remembrance of Allah.

On a societal level, hoarding exacerbates economic inequality and social injustice. It widens the gap between the rich and the poor, depriving the less fortunate of their basic needs and perpetuating a cycle of poverty. Islam, on the other hand, encourages the fair distribution of wealth and the establishment of social welfare systems to ensure the well-being of all members of society.

Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ), known for his profound knowledge and wisdom, highlights the negative consequences of hoarding through this Hadith. By describing hoarding as the practice of the vicious, he emphasizes the moral and spiritual corruption that accompanies such behavior. Hoarding is not only detrimental to the hoarder but also to the society at large.

In conclusion, the Hadith of Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) serves as a reminder for Muslims to avoid the practice of hoarding and instead embrace the values of generosity, moderation, and sharing. It teaches us that excessive accumulation of wealth is not only morally wrong but also detrimental to our spiritual well-being and the welfare of society. May Allah guide us to follow the teachings of the Quran and the Ahl al-Bayt (عَلَيْهِمُ ٱلسَّلَامُ) and protect us from the vices of hoarding.