Hadith #6101

In the name of Allah, the Most Gracious, the Most Merciful. 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, "الطمع فقر" which translates to "Covetousness is indigence." This concise statement carries a enlightening message about the detrimental nature of greed and the consequences it brings.

The word (tam'a) "طمع" refers to covetousness or greed, which is an insatiable desire for wealth, possessions, or power. It is a state of constantly wanting more and never being satisfied with what one has. This insatiable desire can lead to a state of spiritual poverty and deprivation.

Imam Ali's (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) statement is in line with the teachings of the Quran, which repeatedly warns against the dangers of covetousness and emphasizes contentment and gratitude. Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) says in Surah Al-Baqarah (2:96),

And you will surely find them the most greedy of people for life - [even] more than those who associate others with Allah. One of them wishes that he could be granted life a thousand years, but it would not remove him in the least from the [coming] punishment that he should be granted life. And Allah is Seeing of what they do.

This verse highlights the excessive desire for worldly life and its consequences. The covetousness mentioned here is not limited to material possessions but also includes the desire for a prolonged life, power, and authority. It is a warning against the insatiable greed that blinds individuals from the reality of the Hereafter and leads them astray.

Another verse that supports the exegesis of Imam Ali's (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) hadith is found in Surah Al-Hashr (59:9), where Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) says,

And [also for] those who were settled in the Home [i.e., Al-Madinah] and [adopted] the faith before them. They love those who emigrated to them and find not any want in their breasts of what the emigrants were given but give [them] preference over themselves, even though they are in privation. And whoever is protected from the stinginess of his soul - it is those who will be the successful.

This verse illustrates the selflessness and generosity of the Ansar (the residents of Madinah) towards the Muhajirun (the emigrants from Makkah). Despite their own financial constraints, they did not feel any want or covetousness in their hearts for what the emigrants possessed. Their selflessness and contentment allowed them to prioritize the needs of others over their own, leading to success in both this world and the Hereafter.

Imam Ali's (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) hadith serves as a reminder for Muslims to guard against the destructive nature of covetousness. It highlights the importance of contentment, gratitude, and selflessness in our lives. Covetousness leads to a perpetual state of dissatisfaction and spiritual poverty, while contentment and gratitude bring about inner peace and fulfillment.

Reflecting on this hadith, we should strive to cultivate contentment in our hearts and be grateful for the blessings bestowed upon us by Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ). We should avoid comparing ourselves to others and constantly desiring what they possess. Instead, we should focus on utilizing our resources to benefit ourselves and others, seeking the pleasure of Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) rather than worldly gains.

May Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) protect us from the trap of covetousness and grant us contentment and gratitude in all aspects of our lives. Ameen.