Hadith #5189

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 righteous companions.

The Arabic Hadith of Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) states, "بِالشَّرَهِ تُشانُ الأخْلاقُ۔" This can be translated as,

Through voraciousness, morals are tainted.

Let us delve into the essence of this statement in light of the Quran.

The word (sharah) "شَّرَهِ" refers to an intense desire or greed for something, especially when it comes to food or material possessions. It signifies a lack of self-control and an insatiable appetite for worldly pleasures. The word (akhlaq) "أخْلاقُ" refers to one's moral character, conduct, and behavior.

In the Quran, Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) warns us against the negative consequences of excessive desire and greed. In Surah Al-Isra (17:100), Allah says,

And We have certainly created man weak in nature.

This verse highlights the inherent weakness of human beings, including our susceptibility to succumb to our desires and temptations. When we allow our desires to overpower us, our moral character is compromised.

Furthermore, in Surah Al-Hujurat (49:12), Allah advises us,

O you who have believed, avoid much [negative] assumption. Indeed, some assumption is sin. And do not spy or backbite each other. Would one of you like to eat the flesh of his brother when dead? You would detest it. And fear Allah; indeed, Allah is Accepting of repentance and Merciful.

This verse emphasizes the importance of controlling our desires and avoiding negative assumptions, backbiting, and spying on others. Such behaviors are akin to consuming the flesh of our fellow Muslims, which is detestable.

Imam Ali's (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) statement highlights the detrimental effects of excessive desire and greed on our moral character. When we become consumed by our desires, we lose sight of our ethical values and principles. Our actions become driven by selfishness, leading to a decline in our moral conduct.

For example, when we prioritize our own desires over the needs of others, we may engage in dishonesty, exploitation, or injustice. We may disregard the rights of others, neglect our responsibilities, and become indifferent to the suffering of those around us. This voraciousness can lead to a breakdown in relationships, the erosion of trust, and the deterioration of society as a whole.

Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ), known for his profound knowledge and wisdom, reminds us of the importance of self-control and moderation. By restraining our desires and cultivating a sense of contentment, we can safeguard our moral character and uphold the values of justice, compassion, and integrity.

In conclusion, the Hadith of Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ),

Through voraciousness, morals are tainted,

serves as a powerful reminder for Muslims to be mindful of the negative consequences of excessive desire and greed. By reflecting on the Quranic verses that highlight the importance of self-control and moderation, we can strive to maintain our moral character and lead a righteous life. May Allah guide us all on the path of righteousness and protect us from the pitfalls of voraciousness.