Hadith #6126

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, "قُرِنَ الطَّمَعُ بِالذُّلِّ۔" This can be translated as,

Covetousness has been paired with humiliation.

Let us delve into the meaning of the key words in this Hadith. (qurina) "قُرِنَ" means to be paired or coupled, indicating a strong connection between two things. (at-tama') "الطَّمَعُ" refers to covetousness or greed, which is an intense desire for wealth, power, or possessions. And (adh-dhull) "الذُّلِّ" means humiliation or disgrace, which is the state of being degraded or brought low.

To understand the enlightening message of this Hadith, we can turn to the Quran for guidance. Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) warns us against the destructive nature of covetousness in several verses. 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 seeking forgiveness and purifying our hearts from any resentment or envy towards our fellow believers. Covetousness breeds feelings of resentment and discontentment, leading to a state of inner turmoil and spiritual degradation.

Furthermore, in Surah Al-Imran (3:14), Allah describes the people of Pharaoh who were consumed by their greed and arrogance, saying,

So they incurred the curse of Allah upon themselves for their disbelief. And they were enveloped by arrogance and tyranny, while they were of Our signs rejecting.

This verse serves as a stark reminder of the consequences of covetousness. The people of Pharaoh were ultimately humiliated and cursed by Allah due to their insatiable desire for power and wealth.

Imam Ali's (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) Hadith highlights the inherent connection between covetousness and humiliation. When one becomes consumed by greed, they lose sight of their moral values and become willing to compromise their integrity for personal gain. This leads to a downward spiral of degradation and humiliation. Such individuals may resort to unethical means to fulfill their desires, causing harm to themselves and others.

For example, a person driven by covetousness may engage in corrupt practices, such as bribery or embezzlement, to accumulate wealth and power. However, their actions will eventually be exposed, leading to public disgrace and humiliation. Similarly, someone who is envious of others' possessions may resort to theft or deception, only to face the consequences of their actions and be subjected to shame and humiliation.

Imam Ali's amazing Hadith serves as a powerful reminder for Muslims to guard against the destructive nature of covetousness. Instead, we should strive for contentment and gratitude, as taught by the Quran. In Surah Al-Baqarah (2:152), Allah says,

So remember Me; I will remember you. And be grateful to Me and do not deny Me.

Gratitude and contentment are the antidotes to covetousness, as they remind us of the blessings bestowed upon us by Allah and help us find peace and satisfaction in what we have.

In conclusion, Imam Ali's Hadith emphasizes the inseparable link between covetousness and humiliation. It serves as a profound reminder for Muslims to cultivate contentment, gratitude, and ethical behavior in order to avoid the pitfalls of greed and the subsequent degradation it brings. By seeking Allah's pleasure and being satisfied with what He has provided, we can protect ourselves from the destructive consequences of covetousness and strive for a life of dignity and honor. May Allah guide us all on the path of righteousness and protect us from the perils of covetousness.