Hadith #10929

In the name of Allah, the Most Gracious, the Most Merciful. May peace and blessings be upon our beloved Prophet Muhammad (ﷺ), his pure progeny, and his noble companions.

The provided Hadith of Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) emphasizes the importance of piety and highlights its superiority over greed and avarice. Let us delve deeper into the meaning of this impactful Hadith.

The word (wara') "وَرَعٌ" in the Hadith refers to piety, righteousness, and fear of Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ). It encompasses a deep sense of consciousness and awareness of one's actions, thoughts, and intentions, with the ultimate goal of seeking the pleasure of Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ). This piety is not merely limited to external acts of worship but extends to all aspects of life, including one's interactions with others and the choices they make.

On the other hand, the word (tam'a) "طَمَع" in the Hadith refers to greed, avarice, and the insatiable desire for worldly possessions. It signifies a state of constantly seeking more, without considering the consequences or the impact on others. This greed can lead to humiliation, as it blinds individuals to the values of humility, contentment, and gratitude.

The Quran provides numerous verses that support the message conveyed in this Hadith. Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) says in Surah Al-Hujurat (49:13):

O mankind, indeed We have created you from male and female and made you peoples and tribes that you may know one another. Indeed, the most noble of you in the sight of Allah is the most righteous of you. Indeed, Allah is Knowing and Acquainted.

This verse emphasizes that true nobility lies in righteousness and piety, not in wealth, status, or worldly possessions.

Furthermore, in Surah Al-Isra (17:80), Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) states:

And say: My Lord! Cause me to come in with a firm incoming and to go out with a firm outgoing. And give me from Thy presence a sustaining Power.

This verse highlights the importance of seeking strength and sustenance from Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) rather than relying on material wealth or worldly gains.

Imam Ali's (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) statement serves as a reminder to Muslims that true honor and dignity come from cultivating piety and righteousness in all aspects of life. When one possesses piety, they are guided by a moral compass that leads them to make choices that are pleasing to Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ). This piety manifests in their interactions with others, their honesty, their humility, and their commitment to justice and fairness.

In contrast, greed and avarice can lead to humiliation and degradation. When individuals are solely driven by their desires for wealth and power, they may resort to unethical means to achieve their goals. This can result in the loss of respect, trust, and dignity in the eyes of others. Moreover, the pursuit of material possessions can become an endless cycle, never truly satisfying the individual and leaving them perpetually discontented.

Imam Ali's (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) statement encourages Muslims to prioritize the development of their spiritual and moral character over the accumulation of worldly possessions. By focusing on piety, individuals can attain true honor and dignity in the sight of Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ). This piety should be reflected in their actions, intentions, and interactions with others, as they strive to emulate the qualities of the Prophet Muhammad (ﷺ) and the Ahl al-Bayt (عَلَيْهِمُ ٱلسَّلَامُ).

In conclusion, the Hadith of Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) serves as a reminder to Muslims of the importance of piety and righteousness in attaining true honor and dignity. It urges individuals to prioritize their spiritual development and to be mindful of the consequences of greed and avarice. By embodying the values of piety, Muslims can lead a life that is pleasing to Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) and find contentment and fulfillment in this world and the Hereafter. May Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) guide us all on the path of piety and grant us success in this life and the Hereafter.