Hadith #6117

In the name of Allah, the Most Gracious, the Most Merciful. Praise be to Allah, the Lord of all worlds. 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) states,

The cornerstone of piety is abandoning covetousness.

Let us delve into the deeper meaning of this impactful Hadith and explore its significance in light of the Quran.

Firstly, let us understand the key words in this Hadith. The word "war'a" is translated as "piety" or "righteousness," and it refers to the act of being cautious and mindful of one's actions, striving to please Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) in all aspects of life. The word "tama'a" is translated as "covetousness" or "greed," which signifies an intense desire for worldly possessions or wealth, often leading to unethical behavior and a neglect of spiritual growth.

The Quran provides us with numerous verses that emphasize the importance of abandoning covetousness and cultivating piety. In Surah Al-Hashr (59:9), Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) 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 hearts 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 selflessness and lack of covetousness displayed by the Ansar (the Helpers) in Medina, who welcomed and supported the Muhajirun (the Emigrants) despite their own needs.

Furthermore, in Surah Al-Imran (3:92), Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) states,

By no means shall you attain righteousness unless you give (freely) of that which you love; and whatever you give, Allah knows it well.

This verse emphasizes the importance of giving generously and selflessly, without being attached to material possessions. It is through such acts of selflessness that one can truly attain righteousness and piety.

The Hadith of Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) highlights the pivotal role of abandoning covetousness in the journey towards piety. When one is consumed by greed and constantly seeks worldly possessions, it becomes difficult to focus on the spiritual aspects of life and fulfill the obligations towards Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ). Covetousness blinds individuals to the needs of others, leading to a neglect of acts of charity, kindness, and justice.

By abandoning covetousness, one can redirect their focus towards the pursuit of spiritual growth and the fulfillment of their responsibilities as Muslims. This entails being content with what Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) has blessed us with and using our resources to benefit others. It involves recognizing that true wealth lies in the richness of one's character, faith, and good deeds, rather than in material possessions.

Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) exemplified this principle throughout his life. His deep knowledge and understanding of the Quran guided his actions, and he demonstrated immense selflessness and detachment from worldly desires. His renowned generosity and willingness to sacrifice for the sake of others serve as powerful examples for us to emulate.

In conclusion, the Hadith of Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) emphasizes the significance of abandoning covetousness as the cornerstone of piety. By detaching ourselves from the pursuit of worldly possessions and focusing on spiritual growth, we can cultivate a sense of contentment and selflessness. This enables us to fulfill our obligations towards Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) and serve our fellow human beings with sincerity and compassion. May Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) grant us the strength to abandon covetousness and strive towards true piety.