Hadith #2064

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 Hadith of Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) states,

Greed is the cornerstone of poverty and the foundation of evil.

This wise utterance highlights the detrimental effects of greed on both an individual and society as a whole.

The word "hiras" in Arabic refers to greed or covetousness. It is the intense desire to possess more than what is necessary or rightful. Greed is a negative trait that can lead to various forms of harm and wrongdoing. It is like a disease that eats away at a person's contentment and leads them to constantly seek more, regardless of the consequences.

Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) describes greed as the "ra's" or cornerstone of poverty. This analogy emphasizes that greed is the root cause of poverty. When individuals are consumed by greed, they become blinded to the needs of others and focus solely on accumulating wealth for themselves. This selfish mindset perpetuates a cycle of poverty, as resources are hoarded by a few while the majority suffer from lack and deprivation.

The Hadith also states that greed is the "us" or foundation of evil. This means that greed serves as the basis for all forms of wrongdoing and immorality. When individuals prioritize their own desires and material gains above all else, they are more likely to engage in unethical behavior. Greed can lead to corruption, exploitation, and the disregard for the rights and well-being of others.

To understand the significance of this Hadith, we can turn to the Quran for guidance. Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) warns against the dangers of greed in several verses. In Surah Al-Hashr (59:9), Allah says,

And those who, before them, had homes (in Medina) and had adopted the Faith, love those who emigrate to them, and have no jealousy in their breasts for that which they have been given (from the booty of Bani An-Nadir), and give them (emigrants) preference over themselves, even though they were in need of that.

This verse highlights the importance of selflessness and generosity, which are the antithesis of greed.

Furthermore, in Surah Al-Isra (17:80), Allah warns against the consequences of greed, stating,

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 reminds us to seek sustenance from Allah and to rely on Him rather than being consumed by greed and material pursuits.

The Hadith of Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) serves as a reminder for Muslims to be mindful of the dangers of greed. It encourages us to prioritize contentment, selflessness, and the well-being of others over our own desires for material wealth. By doing so, we can break the cycle of poverty and contribute to a more just and compassionate society.

Reflecting on this Hadith, we can ask ourselves: Are we driven by greed or contentment? Do we prioritize the needs of others or our own selfish desires? By examining our intentions and actions, we can strive to embody the teachings of Islam and work towards a society free from the negative consequences of greed.

May Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) guide us to purify our hearts from greed and help us become selfless individuals who strive for the betterment of humanity. And may peace and blessings be upon our beloved Prophet Muhammad (ﷺ), his pure progeny, and his noble companions.