Hadith #2072

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, "الحرص مطية التعب" which translates to

Greed is the riding mount of hardship.

This wise utterance of Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) highlights the negative consequences of greed and its association with difficulties and hardships.

The word (haras) "حرص" refers to an excessive desire or greed for worldly possessions, wealth, or power. It is a state of constantly wanting more and never being content with what one has. This insatiable greed can lead to a variety of negative consequences in a person's life.

Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) compares greed to a (mattiya) "مطية", which can be understood as a riding mount or a means of transportation. This comparison emphasizes that greed becomes a means by which a person embarks upon a journey of hardships and difficulties. Just as a riding mount carries a person from one place to another, greed carries a person from one hardship to another.

To understand the significance of this Hadith, let us turn to the Quran for guidance. Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) warns us about the dangers of greed and its consequences in several verses.

In Surah Al-Baqarah, Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) says, (Quran 4:29)

O you who have believed, do not consume one another's wealth unjustly but only [in lawful] business by mutual consent. And do not kill yourselves [or one another]. Indeed, Allah is to you ever Merciful.

This verse highlights the prohibition of consuming wealth unjustly, which is a manifestation of greed. Greed leads people to engage in dishonest practices, such as theft, fraud, or exploitation, in order to acquire more wealth. However, Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) warns that such actions are not only unjust but also detrimental to one's own well-being.

In another verse, Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) says, (Quran 64:16)

And whoever is protected from the stinginess of his soul - it is those who will be the successful.

This verse emphasizes the importance of controlling one's desires and being content with what Allah has provided. Those who are able to overcome their greed and avoid excessive desires are the ones who will attain true success in this life and the hereafter.

Imam Ali's (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) Hadith serves as a reminder for Muslims to reflect upon their own desires and to strive for contentment. Greed not only leads to personal hardships but also affects the well-being of society as a whole. It can lead to inequality, injustice, and a lack of compassion for others.

By recognizing the negative consequences of greed, Muslims are encouraged to cultivate qualities such as gratitude, generosity, and selflessness. These qualities are emphasized throughout the Quran and serve as a means to counteract the destructive nature of greed.

In conclusion, Imam Ali's (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) Hadith serves as a profound reminder for Muslims to be cautious of the dangers of greed. It highlights the association of greed with hardships and encourages individuals to strive for contentment and selflessness. By reflecting upon the teachings of the Quran and the wisdom of Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ), Muslims can strive to overcome their desires and cultivate a more balanced and fulfilling life. May Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) guide us all on the path of righteousness and protect us from the perils of greed.