Hadith #6121

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,

سَبَبُ فَسادِ الوَرَعِ الطَّمَعُ۔

This can be translated as,

The cause of corruption of piety is covetousness.

Let us delve into the meaning of the important words in this Hadith. (fasad) "فَسادِ" refers to corruption, decay, or destruction. (al-wara') "الوَرَعِ" is commonly translated as piety or righteousness. It encompasses the idea of being cautious and abstaining from anything that may lead to sin. Lastly, (at-tama') "الطَّمَعُ" means covetousness or greed, which is the intense desire to possess something that belongs to someone else.

To understand the beautiful 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, driven by envy and greed, can lead to animosity and division among Muslims. It corrupts the purity of our hearts and undermines the essence of piety.

Another verse that sheds light on the consequences of covetousness is found in Surah Al-Baqarah (2:188), where Allah says,

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 warns against the unjust acquisition of wealth and the exploitation of others for personal gain. Covetousness can lead individuals to engage in dishonest practices, such as bribery or embezzlement, which ultimately corrupts society and undermines the principles of righteousness.

Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ), known for his profound knowledge and wisdom, highlights the detrimental impact of covetousness on piety. When one becomes consumed by the desire for material possessions or the possessions of others, their focus shifts away from the path of righteousness. The pursuit of worldly gains takes precedence over spiritual growth and moral values.

Covetousness can manifest in various forms, such as desiring someone else's wealth, status, or even their blessings. It leads to discontentment and ingratitude for the blessings bestowed upon us by Allah. Instead of being grateful for what we have, we become fixated on what others possess, which ultimately corrupts our piety.

The consequences of covetousness are far-reaching. It not only corrupts the individual's character but also has a negative impact on their relationships and society as a whole. Envy and greed breed animosity, resentment, and injustice. It erodes trust and unity among Muslims, hindering the progress and well-being of the community.

To safeguard ourselves from the corruption of piety caused by covetousness, we must cultivate contentment and gratitude in our hearts. We should focus on the blessings bestowed upon us by Allah and strive to use them in ways that benefit others. By adopting a mindset of selflessness and generosity, we can counteract the destructive nature of covetousness and uphold the principles of piety.

In conclusion, the Hadith of Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) serves as a profound reminder of the detrimental impact of covetousness on piety. It corrupts the purity of our hearts, leads to unjust actions, and undermines the principles of righteousness. By seeking guidance from the Quran and reflecting on the consequences of covetousness, we can strive to cultivate contentment, gratitude, and selflessness in our lives. May Allah protect us from the corruption of piety and grant us the strength to overcome our desires and purify our hearts.