Hadith #6154

In the name of Allah, the Most Gracious, the Most Merciful. All praise is due 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,

لا أذَلَّ مِنْ طامِع۔

This can be translated into English as,

There is none more abased than a coveter.

Let us delve into the essence of this Hadith in light of the Quran.

The word (adhall) "أذَلَّ" in this Hadith refers to being humiliated, degraded, or brought low. It signifies a state of disgrace and loss of honor. The word (tamī') "طامِع" refers to a coveter or someone who has an insatiable desire for worldly possessions or status. This person is constantly yearning for more and is never content with what they have.

To understand the significance of this Hadith, we can turn to the Quran for guidance. Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) warns us against covetousness and the negative consequences it brings. 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 highlights the importance of contentment and being free from resentment towards others. Covetousness leads to envy, which can breed animosity and resentment towards those who possess what we desire. This not only harms our relationships with others but also tarnishes our own spiritual well-being.

Furthermore, in Surah Al-Baqarah (2:96), Allah warns against the consequences of covetousness by narrating the story of the Children of Israel. They were given clear signs and blessings from Allah, but their hearts became hardened due to their insatiable desires. Allah says,

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 emphasizes that the covetousness of the Children of Israel led them astray and made them oblivious to the consequences of their actions. Their insatiable desires for worldly pleasures blinded them to the reality of the Hereafter and the punishment that awaited them.

Imam Ali's (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) Hadith serves as a reminder to Muslims that covetousness is a destructive trait that leads to humiliation and degradation. When we constantly yearn for more, we lose sight of the blessings we already have and become dissatisfied with our current state. This dissatisfaction can lead to a perpetual cycle of unhappiness and discontentment.

Moreover, covetousness can also lead to unethical behavior and injustice. When we covet what others possess, we may be tempted to resort to dishonest means to acquire it. This can result in harming others, violating their rights, and ultimately tarnishing our own character.

Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ), known for his immense knowledge and wisdom, warns us against falling into the trap of covetousness. He reminds us that true honor lies in being content with what Allah has blessed us with and being grateful for His provisions. By cultivating a sense of gratitude and contentment, we can protect ourselves from the humiliation and degradation that comes with covetousness.

In conclusion, the Hadith of Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) serves as a profound reminder for Muslims to guard against covetousness. It highlights the importance of contentment, gratitude, and the avoidance of insatiable desires. By reflecting on the Quranic verses that warn against covetousness, we can understand the detrimental consequences it brings and strive to cultivate a sense of contentment and gratitude in our lives. May Allah protect us from the trap of covetousness and grant us the strength to be content with His blessings.