Hadith #5230

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, the Ahl al-Bayt, and his noble companions.

The Arabic Hadith of Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) states, "أشْقاكُمْ أحْرَصُكُمْ۔" This can be translated into English as,

The most wretched among you are the most greedy among you.

This impactful saying of Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) highlights the negative consequences of excessive greed and avarice.

To understand the depth and significance of this Hadith, let us delve into the meanings of the key words. "أشْقاكُمْ" refers to the most wretched or miserable individuals, while "أحْرَصُكُمْ" denotes the most greedy or covetous among the people. These words emphasize the negative qualities that lead to unhappiness and spiritual degradation.

In the Quran, Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) repeatedly warns against the dangers of greed and avarice. In Surah Al-Imran (3:180), Allah says,

And let not those who [greedily] withhold what Allah has given them of His bounty ever think that it is better for them. Rather, it is worse for them. Their necks will be encircled by what they withheld on the Day of Resurrection.

This verse highlights the consequences of greed, indicating that it brings about a spiritual downfall and will ultimately lead to regret and punishment.

Furthermore, in Surah Al-Humazah (104:1-3), Allah describes the characteristics of those who are consumed by greed and selfishness, saying,

Woe to every scorner and mocker, who collects wealth and [continuously] counts it. He thinks that his wealth will make him immortal.

This passage serves as a stark reminder that material possessions and wealth cannot bring true happiness or eternal life. Instead, they can lead to arrogance and a false sense of security.

Imam Ali's (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) Hadith sheds light on the destructive nature of excessive greed. When individuals prioritize their own desires and accumulation of wealth above all else, they become wretched and miserable. Greed blinds them to the needs of others, causing them to neglect their responsibilities towards their families, communities, and society as a whole.

The consequences of greed are not limited to the material realm. Greed also has a detrimental impact on one's spiritual well-being. It distances individuals from the path of righteousness and prevents them from attaining true contentment and inner peace. The pursuit of wealth and material possessions becomes an all-consuming obsession, leading to a neglect of the soul and a disregard for the higher purpose of life.

Imam Ali's (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) statement serves as a powerful reminder for Muslims to prioritize spiritual wealth over material wealth. True prosperity lies in contentment, generosity, and selflessness. By focusing on the well-being of others and using our resources to benefit society, we can attain a sense of fulfillment and happiness that transcends the temporary pleasures of this world.

In conclusion, the Hadith of Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) warns against the destructive nature of greed and avarice. It reminds us that the pursuit of material wealth at the expense of our spiritual well-being leads to wretchedness and misery. By heeding this wisdom and striving for contentment, generosity, and selflessness, we can attain true prosperity and inner peace. May Allah guide us all to follow the teachings of the Ahl al-Bayt and protect us from the pitfalls of greed.