Hadith #6107

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, "المطامع تذل الرجال" which translates to

Coveted objects humiliate men.

This concise statement holds profound wisdom and provides valuable guidance for Muslims in their pursuit of a righteous and dignified life.

Let us first delve into the meaning of the key words in this Hadith. "المطامع" refers to the objects or possessions that are desired and coveted by individuals. These can include material possessions, wealth, power, status, and anything that one may excessively desire. "تذل" means to humiliate, degrade, or lower in status.

To understand the deeper implications of this Hadith, we turn to the Quran for guidance. Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) repeatedly warns us about the dangers of excessive attachment to worldly possessions and desires. In Surah Al-Hadid, Allah says, (57:20)

Know that the life of this world is but amusement and diversion and adornment and boasting to one another and competition in increase of wealth and children - like the example of a rain whose [resulting] plant growth pleases the tillers; then it dries and you see it turned yellow; then it becomes [scattered] debris. And in the Hereafter is severe punishment and forgiveness from Allah and approval. And what is the worldly life except the enjoyment of delusion.

This verse highlights the fleeting nature of worldly possessions and the delusion they create. When individuals become consumed by their desires for material wealth and status, they lose sight of the true purpose of life and the pursuit of spiritual growth. Their focus becomes solely on accumulating more and more, leading to a never-ending cycle of dissatisfaction and discontentment.

The consequences of such excessive attachment to worldly possessions are manifold. Firstly, it leads to a degradation of the human soul. When one's primary goal in life is the acquisition of material possessions, they become enslaved to their desires, compromising their moral values and integrity. This degradation of the soul results in a loss of self-respect and dignity.

Moreover, the pursuit of worldly possessions often leads to unethical and unjust behavior. People may resort to dishonesty, exploitation, and even oppression in their quest for wealth and power. This not only harms the individuals involved but also creates an unjust society where the weak and vulnerable are oppressed.

Furthermore, excessive attachment to worldly possessions blinds individuals to the true purpose of their existence. Allah reminds us in the Quran, (51:56)

And I did not create the jinn and mankind except to worship Me.

The ultimate purpose of our lives is to worship Allah and seek His pleasure. However, when our desires for worldly possessions take precedence, we neglect our spiritual development and distance ourselves from our Creator.

Imam Ali's (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) impactful saying serves as a reminder to Muslims to prioritize their spiritual growth over the pursuit of material possessions. By recognizing the transient nature of worldly desires and the potential harm they can cause, we can free ourselves from the shackles of excessive attachment. This liberation allows us to focus on cultivating our character, strengthening our relationship with Allah, and serving humanity with sincerity and compassion.

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

Coveted objects humiliate men

serves as a timeless reminder for Muslims to guard against excessive attachment to worldly possessions. By prioritizing our spiritual growth and seeking contentment in the remembrance of Allah, we can attain true dignity and honor in this life and the hereafter. May Allah guide us all on the path of righteousness and protect us from the pitfalls of materialism.