Hadith #6158

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 purified progeny, and his noble companions.

The Arabic Hadith of Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) states,

الطامع أبداً في وثاق الذل

which translates to

The coveter is forever in the shackles of disgrace.

This enlightening saying of Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) highlights the detrimental consequences of covetousness and the perpetual state of humiliation it brings upon an individual.

To fully comprehend the depth of this Hadith, let us delve into the meanings of the key words. "الطامع" refers to the one who covets or desires excessively, seeking what others possess. This person is never content with what they have and constantly yearns for more, disregarding the boundaries set by Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ). "وثاق" signifies the chains or shackles that bind a person, restricting their freedom and causing them to be enslaved. And finally, "الذل" denotes disgrace, humiliation, and a state of abasement.

To further elucidate the significance of this Hadith, we can turn to the Quran for guidance. Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) warns 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 emphasizes the importance of contentment and gratitude, as resentment towards others due to their blessings can lead to a state of disgrace and humiliation.

Another verse that sheds light on the consequences of covetousness is found in Surah Al-Isra (17:80), where Allah says,

And say: My Lord! Cause me to come in with a firm incoming and to go out with a firm outgoing. And give me from Thy presence a sustaining Power.

This verse highlights the importance of seeking sustenance from Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) alone, rather than coveting what others possess. By relying on Allah's provisions, one can avoid the shackles of disgrace and maintain a dignified existence.

Imam Ali's (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) Hadith serves as a powerful reminder for Muslims to be content with what Allah has bestowed upon them. Covetousness not only leads to a perpetual state of dissatisfaction but also brings about disgrace and humiliation. When one constantly desires what others have, they become enslaved by their desires and lose sight of their own blessings.

Furthermore, this Hadith encourages Muslims to cultivate a sense of gratitude and appreciation for the blessings bestowed upon them by Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ). By recognizing and acknowledging the favors of Allah, one can break free from the chains of covetousness and attain a state of contentment and inner peace.

In conclusion, the Hadith of Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) serves as a profound reminder for Muslims to avoid covetousness and be content with the blessings bestowed upon them by Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ). By doing so, they can escape the shackles of disgrace and humiliation and lead a life of dignity and tranquility. May Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) grant us the wisdom to be grateful for His blessings and protect us from the pitfalls of covetousness.