Hadith #10717

In the name of Allah, the Most Gracious, the Most Merciful. Praise be to Allah, the Lord of all worlds. Peace and blessings be upon our beloved Prophet Muhammad (ﷺ), his pure progeny, and his noble companions.

The Hadith of Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) states,

The best person is one who removes greed from his heart and resists his vain desires in obedience to his Lord.

This Hadith emphasizes the importance of purifying one's heart from the destructive trait of greed and restraining oneself from following base desires, all in the pursuit of obedience to Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ).

Let us delve into the key words of this Hadith to gain a deeper understanding. The word (khayr) "خَيْرُ" means "best" or "excellent." It signifies a person who possesses the highest moral qualities and is exemplary in their conduct. (annas) "النّاسِ" refers to people in general, encompassing all individuals regardless of their social status or background.

The Hadith highlights two important actions that lead to being the best person. The first action is (akhraja al-hirsa min qalbihi)

أخْرَجَ الحِرْصَ مِنْ قَلْبِهِ

which means

removing greed from the heart.

Greed is a destructive trait that stems from an insatiable desire for wealth, power, or material possessions. It blinds individuals and leads them to prioritize their own interests over the welfare of others. By removing greed from the heart, one becomes selfless and focuses on the betterment of society.

The second action mentioned in the Hadith is (wa'asa hawahu fi ta'atir rabbih)

وعَصى هَواهُ في طاعَةِ رِبِّهِ

which means

resisting vain desires in obedience to his Lord.

Vain desires refer to base instincts and temptations that lead individuals away from the path of righteousness. By resisting these desires and submitting to the commands of Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ), one demonstrates their devotion and commitment to their Creator.

To further understand the significance of removing greed and resisting vain desires, we can turn to the Quran for guidance. In Surah Al-Imran (3:14), Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) describes the believers as those who

spend [in the way of Allah] whether they are in prosperity or in adversity.

This verse emphasizes the importance of selflessness and generosity, which can only be achieved by removing greed from the heart.

Additionally, in Surah Al-Qasas (28:77), Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) warns against following vain desires, stating,

But seek, through that which Allah has given you, the home of the Hereafter; and [yet], do not forget your share of the world.

This verse reminds us to prioritize the eternal life in the Hereafter over the temporary pleasures of this world.

By removing greed and resisting vain desires, one can attain a higher level of spirituality and closeness to Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ). This leads to a virtuous cycle, as the more one distances themselves from greed and base desires, the more they are inclined towards acts of worship and obedience to Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ). This, in turn, strengthens their faith and brings them closer to attaining the status of being the best person.

In conclusion, the Hadith of Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) teaches us the importance of removing greed from our hearts and resisting vain desires in obedience to Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ). By doing so, we strive to become the best individuals, embodying selflessness, generosity, and devotion to our Creator. May Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) grant us the strength and guidance to purify our hearts and resist our base desires, and may He make us among those who are counted as the best of people.