Hadith #6141

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 Hadith of Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) states,

Covetousness is one of the two abasements.

The word "covetousness" in Arabic is (الطمع) "at-tama'a", which refers to an intense desire or greed for wealth, possessions, or power. It is a state of constantly wanting more and never being satisfied with what one has. This Hadith highlights the negative consequences and spiritual degradation that arise from such a mindset.

To understand the essence of this Hadith, we can turn to the Quran for guidance. Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) warns us against the destructive nature of covetousness in several verses. In Surah Al-Hashr (59:9), Allah says,

And those who came after them say, 'Our Lord, forgive us and our brothers who preceded us in faith and put not in our hearts [any] resentment toward those who have believed. Our Lord, indeed You are Kind and Merciful.'

This verse reminds us of the importance of contentment and gratitude. Covetousness leads to resentment and envy towards others, which is detrimental to our spiritual well-being. By seeking forgiveness from Allah and asking Him to remove any resentment from our hearts, we can free ourselves from the negative effects of covetousness.

Another verse that sheds light on the consequences of covetousness is found in Surah Al-Imran (3:180), where Allah says,

And let not those who [greedily] withhold what Allah has given them of His bounty ever think that it is better for them. Rather, it is worse for them. Their necks will be encircled by what they withheld on the Day of Resurrection. And to Allah belongs the heritage of the heavens and the earth. And Allah, with what you do, is [fully] Acquainted.

This verse emphasizes the futility of hoarding wealth and possessions. Those who withhold what Allah has blessed them with out of greed and covetousness will face severe consequences on the Day of Resurrection. Their wealth will become a burden around their necks, symbolizing the heavy burden of their sins. This serves as a powerful reminder that covetousness not only harms our spiritual state in this world but also has eternal consequences in the hereafter.

Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) highlights the significance of this destructive trait by stating that it is one of the two abasements. This implies that covetousness leads to a state of humiliation and degradation. When a person is consumed by greed, they become enslaved to their desires and lose sight of their true purpose in life. They prioritize worldly possessions over spiritual growth and neglect the values of generosity, compassion, and selflessness.

Furthermore, covetousness can have detrimental effects on one's relationships and overall well-being. It breeds envy, jealousy, and a constant sense of dissatisfaction. It prevents individuals from finding contentment and peace within themselves and damages their interactions with others. The pursuit of material wealth becomes an endless cycle, leaving one perpetually unsatisfied and disconnected from their true purpose.

Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ), known for his profound wisdom and knowledge, warns us against falling into the trap of covetousness. By recognizing the negative consequences and spiritual degradation that arise from this trait, we are encouraged to cultivate contentment, gratitude, and detachment from worldly possessions. We should strive to prioritize our spiritual growth and seek fulfillment through acts of kindness, generosity, and selflessness.

In conclusion, the Hadith of Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) serves as a powerful reminder for Muslims to guard against covetousness. It highlights the negative consequences and spiritual degradation that arise from an intense desire for wealth, possessions, or power. By reflecting on the Quranic verses that warn against covetousness, we are reminded of the importance of contentment, gratitude, and detachment from worldly possessions. May Allah protect us from the abasements of covetousness and grant us the strength to cultivate a content heart and a generous spirit.