Hadith #2080

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 Arabic Hadith of Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) states, "الحِرْصُ يُزْرِي بِالْمُرُوَّةِ" which translates to "Greed degrades magnanimity." This concise statement by Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) highlights the negative consequences of greed and its impact on one's noble qualities.

To understand the significance of this Hadith, let us delve into the key words used. "الحِرْصُ" refers to greed or covetousness, which is an intense desire for wealth, power, or possessions. It is a characteristic that drives individuals to relentlessly pursue their own interests, often at the expense of others. "يُزْرِي" means to degrade or diminish, indicating that greed has a detrimental effect on one's character and virtues. "الْمُرُوَّةِ" refers to magnanimity or generosity, which encompasses qualities such as kindness, benevolence, and selflessness.

The Quran provides us with numerous verses that emphasize the importance of avoiding greed and cultivating magnanimity. Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) warns against the destructive nature of greed in Surah Al-Hashr (59:9):

And [also for] those who were settled in the Home (i.e., Madinah) and [adopted] the faith before them. They love those who emigrated to them and find not any want in their breasts of what the emigrants were given but give [them] preference over themselves, even though they are in privation. And whoever is protected from the stinginess of his soul - it is those who will be the successful.

This verse highlights the selflessness and generosity of the Ansar (the residents of Madinah) towards the Muhajirun (the emigrants from Makkah). Despite their own hardships and limited resources, the Ansar preferred the well-being of the Muhajirun over their own. This exemplifies the magnanimity that is diminished by greed.

Furthermore, the Quran encourages believers to be content with what Allah has provided and warns against the insatiable nature of greed in Surah Al-Baqarah (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 exposes the excessive desire for worldly possessions and longevity that can consume individuals. It emphasizes that no matter how much one accumulates, it will not save them from the consequences of their actions. Greed blinds individuals to the reality of the Hereafter and distracts them from the pursuit of true magnanimity.

Imam Ali's (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) Hadith serves as a reminder for Muslims to reflect upon their own actions and intentions. Greed not only tarnishes one's character but also hinders their ability to exhibit magnanimity towards others. It leads to selfishness, envy, and a disregard for the well-being of others.

By contrast, magnanimity is a noble quality that is praised and encouraged in Islam. It is exemplified by the Prophet Muhammad (ﷺ) and the Ahl al-Bayt (عَلَيْهِمُ ٱلسَّلَامُ), who displayed immense generosity and selflessness throughout their lives. Magnanimity encompasses acts of charity, kindness, forgiveness, and compassion towards others, regardless of their social status or beliefs.

In conclusion, the Hadith of Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) serves as a profound reminder for Muslims to be cautious of the destructive nature of greed and to strive towards cultivating magnanimity in their character. It urges us to reflect upon our intentions and actions, and to prioritize the well-being of others over our own desires. By doing so, we can uphold the values of Islam and contribute to a more compassionate and just society. May Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) guide us all on the path of righteousness and protect us from the pitfalls of greed.