Hadith #2095

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 noble companions.

The Arabic Hadith of Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) states, "فِي الحِرْصِ العَناءُ۔" which translates to

In greed there is hardship.

This concise statement by Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) holds deep wisdom and serves as a reminder for Muslims to reflect upon the consequences of greed in their lives.

The word (haras) "حِرْصِ" refers to greed or excessive desire for wealth, power, or possessions. It is the intense longing or craving for material gain, often at the expense of others. Greed can manifest in various forms, such as hoarding wealth, exploiting others, or engaging in dishonest practices to accumulate more.

Imam Ali's (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) statement highlights the negative consequences that arise from greed. It serves as a cautionary reminder for Muslims to be mindful of the detrimental effects of excessive desire and to strive for contentment and moderation in their pursuit of worldly possessions.

The Quran provides numerous verses that shed light on the destructive nature of greed and its consequences. Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) warns us in Surah Al-Isra (17:80),

And We have certainly created man from an extract of clay. Then We placed him as a sperm-drop in a firm lodging. Then We made the sperm-drop into a clinging clot, and We made the clot into a lump [of flesh], and We made [from] the lump, bones, and We covered the bones with flesh; then We developed him into another creation. So blessed is Allah, the best of creators. Then indeed, after that you are to die. Then indeed you, on the Day of Resurrection, will be resurrected.

This verse reminds us of our humble origins and the transient nature of worldly possessions. It emphasizes the ultimate reality of death and the fact that we will be held accountable for our actions in the Hereafter. Greed, driven by the desire for material gain, blinds us to these spiritual truths and distracts us from our purpose in life.

Furthermore, in Surah Al-Humazah (104:1-4), Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) condemns the actions of those who hoard wealth and are consumed by their desire for more. The verses state,

Woe to every scorner and mocker, who collects wealth and [continuously] counts it. He thinks that his wealth will make him immortal. No! He will surely be thrown into the Crusher.

These verses serve as a stark reminder that the pursuit of wealth and possessions, driven by greed, is futile and ultimately leads to destruction. The individual who is consumed by their desire for more is deluded into thinking that their wealth will grant them immortality or eternal happiness. However, the reality is that they will face the consequences of their actions in the Hereafter.

Imam Ali's (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) statement,

In greed there is hardship,

encapsulates the profound wisdom found in the Quranic verses. Greed not only brings about personal hardship and dissatisfaction but also leads to societal injustices and inequalities. It breeds a culture of selfishness and exploitation, where individuals prioritize their own desires over the well-being of others.

Reflecting upon this Hadith, Muslims are reminded to cultivate contentment, gratitude, and generosity in their lives. They are encouraged to seek the pleasure of Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) through acts of charity, kindness, and selflessness. By doing so, they can break free from the shackles of greed and find true fulfillment and peace in their hearts.

In conclusion, Imam Ali's (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) profound statement,

In greed there is hardship,

serves as a timeless reminder for Muslims to reflect upon the consequences of excessive desire and to strive for contentment and moderation in their pursuit of worldly possessions. By aligning our actions with the teachings of the Quran, we can overcome the hardships brought about by greed and attain true success in this world and the Hereafter. May Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) guide us all on the path of righteousness and protect us from the destructive effects of greed.