Hadith #5178

In the name of Allah, the Most Gracious, the Most Merciful. Praise be to Allah, the Lord of all worlds. Peace and blessings be upon our beloved Prophet Muhammad (ﷺ), his pure progeny, and his righteous companions.

The provided Hadith of Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) warns us against the dangers of voraciousness and its detrimental effects on our piety. Voraciousness refers to an excessive and insatiable desire for worldly possessions, wealth, and material pleasures. It is a characteristic that leads one to be consumed by their desires, disregarding the limits set by Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) and neglecting their spiritual growth.

The word (sharah) "شَّرَهَ" in the Hadith refers to voraciousness or greed. It is derived from the root word (shara) "شَرَهَ", which means to consume or devour. This implies that voraciousness is like a consuming fire that engulfs a person's heart, leading them astray from the path of righteousness.

To understand the significance of this warning, let us turn to the Quran for guidance. Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) repeatedly warns us against the dangers of excessive attachment to worldly possessions. In Surah Al-Isra, verse 80, Allah says, (Quran 21:34)

And We made not for any human being before you the right of immortality. Then if you die, would they be eternal?

This verse reminds us of the temporary nature of worldly possessions and the futility of becoming excessively attached to them.

Furthermore, in Surah Al-Hadid, verse 20, Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) says, (Quran 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.

These verses highlight the transient nature of worldly possessions and the importance of focusing on the eternal life of the Hereafter. Voraciousness blinds us to the reality that our true purpose in life is to seek the pleasure of Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) and to prepare for the everlasting life to come.

Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) warns us that voraciousness corrupts piety. When we become consumed by our desires for wealth and material possessions, our hearts become hardened, and our spiritual connection with Allah weakens. We become more concerned with accumulating worldly goods rather than performing acts of worship and seeking nearness to Allah.

Moreover, voraciousness leads to a neglect of the rights of others and a disregard for the principles of justice and fairness. The pursuit of wealth at any cost can lead to unethical behavior, oppression, and exploitation. This not only harms others but also tarnishes our own souls and distances us from the mercy and forgiveness of Allah.

The consequences of succumbing to voraciousness are severe, as Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) warns that it leads one to enter the fire of hell. This serves as a powerful reminder of the importance of self-restraint and moderation in our desires. We must strive to strike a balance between our worldly needs and our spiritual aspirations, ensuring that we do not allow our desires to consume us and lead us astray.

In conclusion, the Hadith of Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) serves as a profound reminder for Muslims to refrain from voraciousness and excessive attachment to worldly possessions. It warns us of the corrupting influence of greed on our piety and the severe consequences it can have on our spiritual well-being. By heeding this advice and focusing on the eternal life of the Hereafter, we can safeguard our hearts and strive for a balanced and fulfilling life in the light of the Quranic teachings. May Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) protect us from the dangers of voraciousness and guide us on the path of righteousness.