Hadith #5191

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 righteous companions.

The Arabic Hadith of Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) states,

ثَمَرَةُ الشَّرَهِ اَلتَّهَجُّمُ عَلَى الْعُيُوبِ۔

This can be translated as,

The fruit of voraciousness is rushing towards faults [and vices].

To understand the connotation of this Hadith, let us delve into the key words and their implications.

Firstly, the word (thamaratu) "ثَمَرَةُ" means "fruit" or "result." It signifies the outcome or consequence of a particular action. In this context, it refers to the negative consequences that arise from a specific behavior.

Secondly, the word (ash-sharah) "الشَّرَهِ" can be translated as "voraciousness" or "greed." It denotes an insatiable desire or craving for more, often leading to excessive indulgence in worldly desires and material possessions.

Next, the word (at-tahajjum) "التَّهَجُّمُ" can be understood as "rushing" or "hastening." It implies a sense of urgency or impatience in pursuing something, without proper contemplation or consideration of its consequences.

Lastly, the phrase (ala al-'uyub) "عَلَى الْعُيُوبِ" refers to "faults" or "vices." It encompasses all forms of moral shortcomings and sinful behaviors that are detrimental to one's spiritual well-being.

To further comprehend the wisdom behind this Hadith, let us turn to the Quran for guidance. Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) says in Surah Al-Hujurat (49:12),

O you who have believed, avoid much [negative] assumption. Indeed, some assumption is sin. And do not spy or backbite each other. Would one of you like to eat the flesh of his brother when dead? You would detest it. And fear Allah; indeed, Allah is Accepting of repentance and Merciful.

This verse highlights the importance of avoiding negative assumptions, spying, and backbiting, which are all manifestations of rushing towards faults. It warns against the destructive consequences of engaging in such behavior, comparing it to the repugnant act of consuming the flesh of one's deceased brother. This analogy serves as a powerful reminder of the repulsiveness and harm caused by indulging in gossip and slander.

Furthermore, in Surah Al-Hujurat (49:11), Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) instructs us,

O you who have believed, let not a people ridicule [another] people; perhaps they may be better than them; nor let women ridicule [other] women; perhaps they may be better than them. And do not insult one another and do not call each other by [offensive] nicknames. Wretched is the name of disobedience after [one's] faith. And whoever does not repent - then it is those who are the wrongdoers.

This verse emphasizes the importance of refraining from ridiculing, insulting, or belittling others. It cautions against rushing to judge and criticize, as it can lead to the degradation of one's own character and the perpetuation of animosity and discord within society. Instead, Muslims are encouraged to foster an environment of respect, empathy, and understanding.

Reflecting on the Hadith of Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) in light of these Quranic verses, we can understand that the fruit of voraciousness, which is rushing towards faults and vices, brings about numerous negative consequences. It leads to the erosion of moral values, the breakdown of relationships, and the spread of discord within communities. By succumbing to our desires without restraint or reflection, we risk jeopardizing our spiritual growth and distancing ourselves from the path of righteousness.

Therefore, as Muslims, it is imperative that we exercise self-control and mindfulness in our actions and words. We should strive to cultivate virtues such as patience, humility, and forgiveness, while avoiding hasty judgments and destructive behavior. By doing so, we can protect ourselves from the harmful consequences of rushing towards faults and vices, and instead, nurture a society based on compassion, justice, and unity.

May Allah (تَبَارَكَ وَتَعَالَىٰ) grant us the wisdom and strength to overcome our vices and strive towards righteousness. May He guide us to follow the teachings of the Prophet Muhammad (ﷺ) and the Ahl al-Bayt (عَلَيْهِمُ ٱلسَّلَامُ), particularly the profound wisdom of Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ). Ameen.