Hadith #10907

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 provided Hadith of Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) emphasizes the importance of two key concepts: (piety) "war'a" and (the deception of avarice) "ghurur al-tama'". Let us delve into the meanings of these words and explore their significance in light of the Quran.

Firstly, "war'a" refers to piety, righteousness, and the fear of Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ). It encompasses a deep sense of consciousness and awareness of one's actions and intentions, striving to please Allah in every aspect of life. This concept is beautifully captured in the Quran, where Allah says in Surah Al-Baqarah, verse 197:

And take provisions, but indeed, the best provision is piety. So fear Me, O you of understanding.

The second concept highlighted in the Hadith is "ghurur al-tama'" which can be translated as the deception of avarice or the delusion of greed. It warns against the allure and false promises of materialistic desires, which can lead one astray from the path of righteousness. Allah cautions us about the dangers of greed in Surah Al-Imran, verse 14:

Beautified for people is the love of that which they desire - of women and sons, heaped-up sums of gold and silver, fine branded horses, and cattle and tilled land. That is the enjoyment of worldly life, but Allah has with Him the best return.

Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) advises us to embrace piety and be cautious of the deception of avarice because it is like a pasture without herbage. This metaphorical expression signifies that indulging in greed and materialistic desires may seem appealing and fruitful at first, but in reality, it leads to emptiness, dissatisfaction, and spiritual decay. The Quran reinforces this message in Surah Al-Hadid, verse 20:

Know that the life of this world is but amusement and diversion and adornment and boasting to one another and competition in increase of wealth and children - like the example of a rain whose [resulting] plant growth pleases the tillers; then it dries and you see it turned yellow; then it becomes [scattered] debris.

Imam Ali's (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) profound advice serves as a reminder for Muslims to prioritize their spiritual well-being over worldly possessions. It encourages us to seek contentment and fulfillment through a life of piety, righteousness, and devotion to Allah. By doing so, we protect ourselves from the pitfalls of greed, which can lead to moral corruption, injustice, and a neglect of our spiritual duties.

Reflecting on this Hadith, we are reminded of the importance of self-awareness and self-discipline. We must constantly evaluate our intentions and actions, ensuring that we are not driven solely by materialistic desires. Instead, we should strive to cultivate a deep connection with Allah, seeking His pleasure and guidance in all aspects of our lives. This requires us to be mindful of our choices, to be content with what Allah has blessed us with, and to prioritize acts of worship and service to others.

In conclusion, the Hadith of Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) urges Muslims to embrace piety and be wary of the deception of avarice. It reminds us that true fulfillment and happiness lie in our connection with Allah and our commitment to righteousness, rather than in the pursuit of worldly possessions. May Allah grant us the wisdom to follow the guidance of Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) and protect us from the delusions of greed.