Hadith #2092

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 Arabic Hadith of Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) states,

طاعَةُ الحِرْصِ تُفْسِدُ اليَقينَ۔

This can be translated as,

Yielding to greed corrupts certitude.

Let us delve into the significance behind this statement in light of the teachings of the Quran.

Firstly, let us understand the key words in this Hadith. (ta'at) "طاعَةُ" refers to obedience or submission, while (al-hirs) "الحِرْصِ" denotes greed or covetousness. Lastly, (al-yaqeen) "اليَقينَ" means certitude or conviction.

The Quran emphasizes the importance of obedience to Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) and His Messenger (ﷺ). In Surah Al-Imran, Allah says, (Quran 3:132)

And obey Allah and the Messenger that you may obtain mercy

Obedience to Allah and His Messenger is a fundamental aspect of our faith, as it leads to spiritual growth and divine blessings.

However, Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) warns us that yielding to greed corrupts certitude. Greed is a destructive trait that leads to moral decay and spiritual blindness. When one becomes consumed by greed, their focus shifts from seeking the pleasure of Allah to fulfilling their own desires and accumulating worldly possessions. This obsession with material gain can cloud their judgment and lead them astray from the path of righteousness.

The Quran provides numerous examples and warnings about the dangers of greed. In Surah Al-Isra, Allah says, (Quran 20:131)

And do not extend your eyes toward that by which We have given enjoyment to [some] categories of them, [its being but] the splendor of worldly life by which We test them. And the provision of your Lord is better and more enduring

This verse reminds us that the allure of worldly possessions is merely a test from Allah, and true provision lies in His blessings and guidance.

Furthermore, in Surah Al-Humazah, Allah describes the consequences of greed and covetousness, saying, (Quran 104:4-7)

No! He will surely be thrown into the Crusher. And what can make you know what is the Crusher? It is the fire of Allah, [eternally] fueled, Which mounts directed at the hearts. Indeed, it [i.e., Hellfire] closes in on them

This serves as a stark reminder that those who succumb to greed and selfish desires will face severe punishment in the Hereafter.

Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) highlights the detrimental effects of greed on certitude or conviction. Certitude is a state of unwavering belief and faith in Allah and His teachings. It is the foundation upon which our spiritual journey is built. However, when greed takes hold of a person, it erodes their certitude and weakens their connection with Allah. Their focus shifts from seeking His pleasure to satisfying their own desires, leading to a loss of spiritual clarity and conviction.

Greed can manifest in various forms, such as an insatiable desire for wealth, power, or recognition. It blinds individuals to the true purpose of their existence and hinders their spiritual growth. Instead of seeking closeness to Allah and striving for righteousness, they become enslaved to their worldly desires, compromising their moral values and integrity.

Imam Ali's (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) statement serves as a profound reminder for Muslims to guard against the destructive influence of greed. We must strive to cultivate contentment and gratitude for the blessings bestowed upon us by Allah. By prioritizing obedience to Allah and His Messenger over our own selfish desires, we can maintain our certitude and strengthen our connection with the Divine.

In conclusion, the Hadith of Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) warns us about the corrupting influence of yielding to greed. Greed undermines our obedience to Allah and compromises our certitude. By reflecting on the teachings of the Quran and striving to overcome our own desires, we can protect ourselves from the destructive consequences of greed and maintain a strong and unwavering faith in Allah. May Allah guide us all on the path of righteousness and protect us from the pitfalls of greed.