Hadith #10928

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 purified progeny, and his noble companions.

The provided Hadith of Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) emphasizes the importance of piety and warns against the destructive nature of avarice. Let us delve into the deeper meaning of this profound saying in light of the Quran.

The word (wara') "وَرَعٌ" in this Hadith refers to piety or righteousness. It encompasses the fear of Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) and the conscious effort to avoid anything that displeases Him. It is a state of being mindful of one's actions and striving to adhere to the teachings of Islam. This piety is not merely an external display, but a sincere and genuine devotion to Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ).

On the other hand, the word (tamā') "طَمَع" refers to avarice or greed. It is the insatiable desire for wealth, power, or material possessions, often at the expense of moral values and principles. Avarice blinds individuals and leads them to engage in unethical practices, causing harm to themselves and others.

The Quran provides numerous verses that support the message of this Hadith. For instance, Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) says in Surah Al-Isra (17:80):

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 Allah's guidance and relying on Him for sustenance, rather than being consumed by worldly desires.

Furthermore, in Surah Al-Hadid (57:20), Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) warns against the allure of worldly possessions:

Know that the life of this world is only play and amusement, pomp and mutual boasting among you, and rivalry in respect of wealth and children. It is as the likeness of vegetation after rain, thereof the growth is pleasing to the tiller; afterwards it dries up and you see it turning yellow; then it becomes straw. But in the Hereafter (there is) a severe torment (for the disbelievers, evil-doers), and (there is) Forgiveness from Allah and (His) Good Pleasure (for the believers, good-doers).

Imam Ali's (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) statement serves as a reminder to Muslims of the importance of prioritizing piety over worldly desires. Piety is a source of salvation and protection from the destructive consequences of avarice. It is through piety that one can attain true success and contentment in this life and the hereafter.

By choosing piety over avarice, individuals are motivated to engage in acts of worship, seek knowledge, and uphold moral values. They are driven by a sincere desire to please Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) and follow the example of the Prophet Muhammad (ﷺ) and his Ahl al-Bayt (عَلَيْهِمُ ٱلسَّلَامُ). This motivation leads to a life of righteousness, compassion, and justice.

Conversely, those who succumb to avarice are driven by selfish desires and are willing to compromise their principles for personal gain. This path ultimately leads to ruin, as it distances individuals from the mercy and guidance of Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ). It can result in the loss of moral integrity, strained relationships, and a sense of emptiness and dissatisfaction.

In conclusion, the Hadith of Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) serves as a reminder for Muslims to prioritize piety over avarice. It highlights the importance of seeking Allah's pleasure and adhering to His commands, rather than being consumed by worldly desires. By choosing piety, individuals can attain salvation, success, and inner peace. May Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) guide us all on the path of righteousness and protect us from the destructive consequences of avarice.