Hadith #5185

In the name of Allah, the Most Gracious, the Most Merciful. Praise be to Allah, the Lord of all the worlds. Peace and blessings be upon our beloved Prophet Muhammad (ﷺ), his pure progeny, and his noble companions.

The Hadith of Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) states, "Voraciousness increases anger." This impactful saying highlights the negative consequences of excessive desire and greed, which ultimately lead to anger and its destructive effects. To fully understand the wisdom behind this Hadith, let us delve into the meanings of the key words.

The word (sharah) "شَّرَهُ" refers to voraciousness or excessive desire. It signifies an insatiable craving for more, whether it be in terms of wealth, power, or material possessions. This insatiable desire can consume a person and drive them to pursue their desires relentlessly, often at the expense of others.

The word (yukthiru) "يُكْثِرُ" means to increase or multiply. It implies that the negative consequences of excessive desire are not limited to a single aspect of life but have a multiplying effect, affecting various aspects of one's being.

The word (al-ghadab) "الْغَضَبَ" translates to anger. It refers to a state of intense displeasure and frustration that arises when one's desires are not fulfilled or when faced with obstacles and challenges. Anger can cloud one's judgment, impair their ability to think rationally, and lead to harmful actions.

To shed light on the wisdom behind this Hadith, we can turn to the Quran, where Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) warns against the destructive nature of excessive desire and anger. In Surah Al-Imran, Allah says:

(Quran 3:135-136)

And those who, when they commit an immorality or wrong themselves, remember Allah and seek forgiveness for their sins - and who can forgive sins except Allah? - and [who] do not persist in what they have done while they know. Those - their reward is forgiveness from their Lord and gardens beneath which rivers flow [in Paradise], wherein they will abide eternally; and excellent is the reward of the [righteous] workers.

This verse emphasizes the importance of seeking forgiveness and turning to Allah when we fall into the trap of excessive desire and commit wrongs. By acknowledging our mistakes and seeking repentance, we can avoid persisting in our wrongful actions and thereby prevent the multiplication of anger.

Furthermore, the Quran reminds us of the destructive consequences of anger in Surah Al-Imran:

(Quran 3:133-134)

And hasten to forgiveness from your Lord and a garden as wide as the heavens and earth, prepared for the righteous. Who spend [in the cause of Allah] during ease and hardship and who restrain anger and who pardon the people - and Allah loves the doers of good.

This verse highlights the importance of restraining anger and forgiving others, as it is a characteristic beloved by Allah. By controlling our anger and forgiving those who have wronged us, we can avoid the negative consequences of anger and instead attain the blessings and rewards promised by Allah.

Imam Ali's (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) statement serves as a reminder to Muslims of the dangers of excessive desire and the subsequent multiplication of anger. When we allow our desires to control us, we become slaves to our own passions, and this leads to a state of constant dissatisfaction and frustration. This unquenchable thirst for more can blind us to the needs and rights of others, causing harm and discord in our relationships.

Moreover, excessive desire and anger can have detrimental effects on our spiritual well-being. They distance us from the path of righteousness and hinder our ability to seek forgiveness and attain the mercy of Allah. By recognizing the negative consequences of voraciousness and anger, we can strive to cultivate contentment, gratitude, and self-control in our lives.

In conclusion, Imam Ali's (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) Hadith serves as a profound reminder for Muslims to be mindful of the dangers of excessive desire and anger. By reflecting on the teachings of the Quran and striving to control our desires and emotions, we can lead a more balanced and fulfilling life, both in this world and the hereafter. May Allah guide us all on the path of righteousness and grant us the strength to overcome our negative inclinations.