Hadith #2097

In the name of Allah, the Most Gracious, the Most Merciful. All praise is due 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, "قُرِنَ الحِرْصُ بِالعَناءِ۔" This can be translated as,

Greed has been paired up with hardship.

Let us delve into the connotation of this statement in light of the Quran.

The word (Qurina) "قُرِنَ" in this Hadith means to be paired or combined. It signifies that greed and hardship are closely intertwined and connected. Greed, or (al-hirsu) "الحِرْصُ", refers to an intense desire for wealth, power, or possessions. It is a negative quality that leads to dissatisfaction, envy, and a constant pursuit of material gain.

On the other hand, (al-'ana') "العَناءِ" refers to hardship, toil, or labor. It represents the difficulties and challenges that one faces in life. It can be physical, emotional, or spiritual hardships that test a person's patience and resilience.

The Quran provides us with several verses that shed light on the connection between greed and hardship. In Surah Al-Baqarah, Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) warns us about the consequences of greed and the hardships it brings upon oneself. Allah says in verse 96:

(Quran 2:96)

And you will surely find them the most greedy of people for life - [even] more than those who associate others with Allah. One of them wishes that he could be granted life a thousand years, but it would not remove him in the least from the [coming] punishment that he should be granted life. And Allah is Seeing of what they do.

This verse highlights the insatiable nature of greed and how it blinds individuals from the reality of the Hereafter. The pursuit of worldly desires and accumulation of wealth becomes their sole focus, leading them to neglect their spiritual growth and the true purpose of life. Consequently, they face immense hardships and sufferings in this world and the next.

Another verse that emphasizes the negative consequences of greed is found in Surah At-Takathur. Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) says in verse 1-2:

(Quran 102:1-2)

Competition in [worldly] increase diverts you. Until you visit the graveyards.

These verses remind us that the pursuit of worldly gains and material possessions distracts us from the remembrance of Allah and the pursuit of righteous deeds. It leads to a state of heedlessness and forgetfulness of the ultimate reality of death and the Hereafter. Ultimately, this greed-driven competition only brings about temporary satisfaction and does not provide true fulfillment or happiness.

Imam Ali's (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) statement,

Greed has been paired up with hardship,

serves as a profound reminder for Muslims. It highlights the inherent connection between greed and the hardships one faces in life. When one becomes consumed by greed, they are bound to face various forms of hardship and suffering, both in this world and the Hereafter.

Greed leads to a constant state of dissatisfaction, as one is never content with what they have and always seeks more. This insatiable desire for wealth and possessions can lead individuals to engage in unethical and immoral practices, causing harm to themselves and others. Moreover, the pursuit of material gain often comes at the expense of neglecting one's spiritual growth and the fulfillment of their responsibilities towards Allah and fellow human beings.

Consequently, individuals who prioritize worldly gains over spiritual well-being often find themselves facing numerous hardships. These hardships may manifest in the form of financial difficulties, strained relationships, a lack of inner peace, and a sense of emptiness despite material success.

Imam Ali's (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) wise utterance serves as a wake-up call for Muslims to reflect upon their own desires and priorities. It urges us to strive for contentment and gratitude, recognizing that true happiness and fulfillment lie in the remembrance of Allah and the pursuit of righteous deeds. By detaching ourselves from the allure of worldly possessions and focusing on our spiritual growth, we can avoid the hardships that greed brings upon us.

In conclusion, Imam Ali's (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) Hadith,

Greed has been paired up with hardship,

serves as a timeless reminder for Muslims to be mindful of the negative consequences of greed. It highlights the connection between greed and the hardships one faces in life, both in this world and the Hereafter. By prioritizing spiritual growth, contentment, and gratitude, we can avoid the pitfalls of greed and lead a more fulfilling and purposeful life. May Allah guide us all to the path of righteousness and protect us from the destructive effects of greed.