Hadith #10910

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 pure progeny, and his noble companions.

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

How can one who is possessed by avarice possess piety?

This wise utterance highlights the inherent contradiction between possessing greed and possessing piety. Let us delve deeper into the meanings of the key words in this Hadith to gain a comprehensive understanding.

The word "avarice" in Arabic is translated as (at-tama') "الطَّمَعُ". It refers to an intense desire for wealth, possessions, or power, often accompanied by a lack of contentment and a disregard for the rights of others. Avarice is a negative quality that leads to selfishness, oppression, and a neglect of one's spiritual well-being.

On the other hand, the word "piety" in Arabic is translated as (al-wara') "الوَرَعَ". It encompasses righteousness, God-consciousness, and a deep sense of moral responsibility. Piety is a positive quality that leads to selflessness, justice, and a strong connection with Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ).

To understand the enlightening message of this Hadith, we can turn to the Quran for guidance. Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) says in Surah Al-Baqarah, Ayah 188:

And do not consume one another's wealth unjustly or send it [in bribery] to the rulers in order that [they might aid] you [to] consume a portion of the wealth of the people in sin, while you know [it is unlawful].

This verse highlights the prohibition of unjustly acquiring wealth and the importance of avoiding greed and avarice.

Furthermore, in Surah Al-Isra, Ayah 80, Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) 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 emphasizes the need for seeking sustenance from Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) and relying on Him, rather than being consumed by avarice and materialistic desires.

Imam Ali's (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) statement highlights the inherent contradiction between avarice and piety. One who is consumed by greed and constantly seeks to accumulate wealth and possessions cannot truly possess piety. A person driven by avarice is more likely to engage in unjust practices, such as exploiting others, hoarding wealth, and neglecting their spiritual duties.

Possessing piety requires a mindset of contentment, gratitude, and a recognition of the transient nature of worldly possessions. It involves prioritizing the well-being of others, fulfilling one's obligations towards Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) and His creation, and seeking spiritual growth and closeness to Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ).

Imam Ali's (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) statement serves as a reminder for Muslims to reflect on their own intentions and actions. It urges us to examine our relationship with wealth and material possessions, and to strive for a balance between our worldly pursuits and our spiritual well-being. By prioritizing piety over avarice, we can attain true success and inner peace in this life and the Hereafter.

May Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) guide us all to possess piety and protect us from the destructive influence of avarice. May we strive to emulate the noble qualities of Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ), particularly his profound knowledge and wisdom. Ameen.