Hadith #6103

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 Arabic Hadith of Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) states, "الطمع أول الشر" which translates to

Covetousness is the beginning of evil.

This beautiful Hadith of Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) highlights the destructive nature of greed and the harmful consequences it can have on individuals and society as a whole.

The word (tam'a) "طمع" in Arabic refers to an intense desire or greed for something, often accompanied by a sense of envy or covetousness. It is the insatiable longing for material possessions, power, or status, which can lead individuals to engage in unethical and immoral behavior. This Hadith emphasizes that covetousness is the root cause of many evils, as it drives people to pursue their desires at the expense of others, disregarding ethical principles and the well-being of society.

The Quran provides numerous verses that support the exegesis of this Hadith. For example, in Surah Al-Baqarah (2:188), Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) warns against the destructive consequences of greed and covetousness, stating,

And do not consume one another's wealth unjustly or send it [in bribery] to the rulers in order that [they might aid] you [to] consume a portion of the wealth of the people in sin, while you know [it is unlawful].

This verse highlights the unethical nature of covetousness and the harm it can cause to individuals and society.

Furthermore, in Surah Al-Isra (17:32), Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) advises believers to avoid the path of greed and covetousness, saying,

And do not approach unlawful sexual intercourse. Indeed, it is ever an immorality and is evil as a way.

This verse reminds Muslims to refrain from pursuing their desires unlawfully, as it leads to immorality and evil.

Imam Ali's (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) statement serves as a profound reminder for Muslims to be cautious of the dangers of covetousness and its potential consequences. Greed and covetousness can lead individuals to engage in dishonest practices, exploitation, and oppression, causing harm to themselves and others. It can also lead to a disregard for the rights and well-being of others, disrupting the harmony and justice within society.

Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ), known for his deep knowledge and wisdom, understood the detrimental effects of covetousness. He recognized that it is the starting point of various evils, such as corruption, injustice, and the erosion of moral values. By highlighting this reality, Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) urges Muslims to cultivate contentment, gratitude, and selflessness, which are qualities that counteract the negative effects of greed.

Reflecting on this Hadith, Muslims are reminded to examine their own desires and intentions. It serves as a call to introspection, encouraging individuals to evaluate their priorities and ensure that their pursuits are guided by ethical principles and the well-being of others. By resisting the temptations of covetousness, Muslims can strive for a society that is characterized by justice, compassion, and harmony.

In conclusion, the Hadith of Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ)

Covetousness is the beginning of evil

serves as a profound reminder for Muslims to be cautious of the destructive nature of greed and covetousness. It emphasizes the importance of cultivating contentment, gratitude, and selflessness, while warning against the harmful consequences of pursuing one's desires at the expense of others. By adhering to these teachings, Muslims can strive for a society that is characterized by justice, compassion, and harmony. May Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) guide us all to the path of righteousness and protect us from the evils of covetousness.