Hadith #6156

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.

In this profound Hadith of Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ), he describes the most humiliated of all people as the one who possesses three negative qualities: greed, suspicion, and covetousness. Let us delve deeper into the meanings of these words and explore their significance in light of the Quran.

Firstly, let us examine the word (tāmiʿu) "طامِعُ", which translates to "greedy" in English. Greed is a destructive trait that stems from an insatiable desire for wealth, power, or material possessions. The Quran warns against the dangers of greed, emphasizing the importance of contentment and gratitude. Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) says in Surah Al-Baqarah, verse 96:

And you will surely find them the most greedy of people for life - [even] more than those who associate others with Allah.

This verse highlights the negative consequences of greed and its association with those who reject the Oneness of Allah.

Secondly, the word (ḥarīṣu) "حَريصُ" is translated as "suspicious" in this Hadith. Suspicion is a detrimental characteristic that leads to doubt, mistrust, and negativity towards others. The Quran encourages Muslims to foster trust and goodwill among one another. In Surah Al-Hujurat, verse 12, Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) says:

O you who have believed, avoid much [negative] assumption. Indeed, some assumption is sin.

This verse highlights the importance of avoiding baseless suspicions and negative assumptions, as they can lead to discord and harm within the Muslim community.

Lastly, the word (murību) "مُريبُ" is translated as "coveter" in this Hadith. Covetousness refers to an intense desire to possess what others have, leading to envy and discontentment. The Quran repeatedly warns against the dangers of covetousness and encourages Muslims to be content with what Allah has provided for them. In Surah Al-Qasas, verse 76, Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) says:

Indeed, Qarun was from the people of Moses, but he tyrannized them. And We gave him of treasures whose keys would burden a band of strong men; thereupon his people said to him, 'Do not exult. Indeed, Allah does not like the exultant.'

This verse narrates the story of Qarun, who was consumed by his covetousness and arrogance, leading to his downfall.

Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) highlights these three negative qualities as the cause of humiliation and degradation. Greed, suspicion, and covetousness not only harm individuals but also have detrimental effects on society as a whole. Greed leads to exploitation and inequality, suspicion erodes trust and unity, and covetousness breeds envy and discontentment. Muslims are advised to strive for the opposite virtues, such as contentment, trust, and gratitude, in order to attain honor and dignity.

Reflecting on this Hadith, we are reminded of the importance of purifying our hearts and striving for noble qualities. We should strive to be content with what Allah has blessed us with, trust our fellow Muslims, and avoid negative assumptions. By embodying these virtues, we can elevate ourselves and contribute to the betterment of our communities.

May Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) guide us to follow the teachings of the Quran and the noble example of Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ). May He protect us from the destructive traits of greed, suspicion, and covetousness, and grant us honor and dignity in this life and the Hereafter.