Hadith #10899

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 provided Hadith of Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) emphasizes the importance of good piety and the avoidance of avarice. Let us delve into the deeper meaning of this thought-provoking Hadith.

The word (dalalat) "دَلالَةُ" in the Hadith refers to the proof or evidence of something. It signifies the manifestation or demonstration of a particular quality. In this context, it signifies the proof of good piety.

The word (husn) "حُسْنِ" means goodness or excellence. It refers to the quality of being virtuous and righteous. In the Hadith, it specifically refers to the quality of piety.

The word (al-wara') "الوَرَعِ" means refraining or abstaining from something. It refers to the act of restraining oneself from engaging in sinful or immoral actions. In this Hadith, it signifies refraining from the disgrace of avarice.

The word (uzoof) "عُزُوفُ" means turning away or refraining from something. It signifies the act of avoiding or shunning a particular behavior or characteristic. In this Hadith, it refers to the soul's turning away from the disgrace of avarice.

The word (an-nafs) "النَّفْسِ" refers to the soul or the self. It represents the innermost essence of a person, including their desires, inclinations, and motivations.

The word (madhalla) "مَذَلَّةِ" means disgrace or humiliation. It refers to the state of being degraded or humiliated due to a particular characteristic or behavior.

The word (at-tama') "الطَّمَعِ" means avarice or greed. It signifies an excessive desire for wealth or material possessions, often at the expense of moral values and principles.

To understand the enlightening message of this Hadith, we can turn to the Quran for guidance. Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) says in Surah Al-Isra (17:80):

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 highlights the importance of seeking Allah's guidance and support in all aspects of our lives. It reminds us to approach our actions with firmness and steadfastness, seeking His assistance to refrain from any disgraceful behavior, such as avarice.

Furthermore, Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) says in Surah Al-Hadid (57:23):

That you may not grieve for what escapes you, nor be exultant at what comes to you. And Allah does not love any arrogant boaster.

This verse reminds us of the transient nature of worldly possessions and the futility of excessive attachment to material wealth. It encourages us to avoid the disgrace of avarice by not grieving over what we may lose nor becoming arrogant over what we acquire.

Imam Ali's (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) Hadith highlights the significance of good piety, which encompasses refraining from the disgrace of avarice. Avarice is a destructive trait that leads to moral degradation, selfishness, and a disregard for the well-being of others. It is a vice that can consume a person's soul and distance them from the path of righteousness.

By refraining from avarice, one demonstrates their commitment to selflessness, contentment, and gratitude towards Allah's blessings. It is an act of purifying the soul and aligning oneself with the teachings of Islam. It allows individuals to focus on the spiritual aspects of life, seeking closeness to Allah and striving for the betterment of society.

The consequences of indulging in avarice are detrimental not only to individuals but also to communities and societies as a whole. It fosters an environment of greed, inequality, and injustice. Conversely, refraining from avarice promotes a sense of compassion, generosity, and fairness, leading to a harmonious and just society.

Reflecting on this Hadith, Muslims are reminded of the importance of self-reflection and self-discipline. It urges us to evaluate our intentions and actions, ensuring that we are not driven by materialistic desires. It encourages us to cultivate a mindset of contentment and gratitude, recognizing that true wealth lies in the richness of our faith and the purity of our hearts.

In conclusion, the Hadith of Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) highlights the proof of good piety, which is the soul's refrainment from the disgrace of avarice. It emphasizes the importance of self-restraint and the avoidance of excessive attachment to material possessions. By reflecting on the teachings of the Quran and implementing the lessons from this Hadith, Muslims can strive towards a state of piety, righteousness, and contentment, ultimately seeking the pleasure of Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ).