Hadith #2116

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 Hadith of Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) states, "الحريص لايكتفي" which translates to

The greedy one is never satisfied.

This concise statement by Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) holds profound wisdom and serves as a reminder for Muslims to reflect upon their own behavior and attitudes towards wealth and material possessions.

The word (al-harees) "الحريص" refers to someone who is excessively eager or greedy for more. It describes an individual who is constantly seeking to accumulate wealth and possessions, without considering the consequences of their actions or the impact it may have on others. This person is never content with what they have and is always striving for more, regardless of how much they already possess.

The phrase (layaktafi) "لايكتفي" means "is never satisfied." It emphasizes the insatiable nature of the greedy individual, highlighting that no matter how much they acquire, it will never be enough to fulfill their desires. This perpetual dissatisfaction leads to a never-ending cycle of pursuit and accumulation, which ultimately hinders their spiritual growth and contentment.

The Quran provides several verses that shed light on the dangers of greed and the importance of contentment. In Surah Al-Baqarah, Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) warns against the insatiable desires of the human soul:

(Quran 2:206)

And when it is said to him, 'Fear Allah,' pride in the sin takes hold of him. Sufficient for him is Hellfire, and how wretched is the resting place.

This verse highlights the consequences of unchecked greed and arrogance, as it leads one away from the path of righteousness and towards a wretched fate. The greedy individual becomes consumed by their desires, neglecting their spiritual well-being and disregarding the rights of others.

In another verse, Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) reminds us of the temporary nature of worldly possessions:

(Quran 57:20)

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. And in the Hereafter is severe punishment and forgiveness from Allah and approval. And what is the worldly life except the enjoyment of delusion.

This verse serves as a powerful reminder that the pursuit of wealth and material possessions is ultimately futile, as they are transient and will eventually fade away. True contentment and fulfillment can only be found in the remembrance of Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) and the pursuit of righteous deeds.

Imam Ali's (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) statement serves as a profound reflection on the dangers of greed and the importance of cultivating contentment in our lives. The greedy individual is trapped in a never-ending cycle of desire, always seeking more but never finding true satisfaction. This insatiable pursuit of wealth and possessions distracts them from their spiritual growth and blinds them to the blessings and bounties bestowed upon them by Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ).

As Muslims, we are encouraged to seek moderation in all aspects of our lives, including our pursuit of wealth. We should strive to strike a balance between our material needs and our spiritual well-being. Contentment lies in recognizing and appreciating the blessings we have been granted, rather than constantly yearning for more.

May Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) grant us the wisdom to be content with what we have, and protect us from the pitfalls of greed and excessive desire. May we always remember that true satisfaction and fulfillment can only be found in the remembrance of Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) and the pursuit of righteousness.