Hadith #2075

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 Hadith of Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) states, "الحِرْصُ عَلامَةُ الأشْقياءِ", which translates to

Greed is a symbol of the wretched.

This concise statement by Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) carries profound wisdom and serves as a reminder for all Muslims to reflect upon the detrimental consequences of greed in their lives.

Let us first examine the key words in this Hadith. (al-hirsu) "الحِرْصُ" refers to greed or excessive desire for wealth, power, or material possessions. It is a state of covetousness and an insatiable longing for more. (alamatu) "عَلامَةُ" means a symbol or sign, indicating that greed is not only a negative trait but also a clear indication of the wretchedness of an individual.

To further understand the significance of this Hadith, we turn to the Quran, the ultimate source of guidance for all Muslims. Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) warns against the perils of greed in several verses. In Surah Al-Hashr (59:9), Allah says,

And those who came after them say, 'Our Lord, forgive us and our brothers who preceded us in faith and put not in our hearts [any] resentment toward those who have believed. Our Lord, indeed You are Kind and Merciful.'

This verse highlights the importance of seeking forgiveness and purifying our hearts from any resentment or envy towards others. Greed often stems from a sense of resentment towards those who possess more wealth or blessings, leading to a constant desire to accumulate more.

Additionally, 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 emphasizes that hoarding wealth and being greedy does not bring any benefit or advantage in the sight of Allah. On the contrary, it will have severe consequences in the Hereafter.

Imam Ali's (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) Hadith serves as a reminder to Muslims that greed is not only detrimental to one's spiritual well-being but also a reflection of one's moral character. Greed blinds individuals to the needs of others and fosters a selfish mindset. It leads to an insatiable desire for more, often at the expense of others' rights and well-being. Greed can also lead to unethical behavior, such as dishonesty, exploitation, and corruption.

Furthermore, greed breeds discontentment and dissatisfaction with what Allah has already bestowed upon us. It prevents us from appreciating the blessings we have and fosters a constant craving for more. This insatiable desire for worldly possessions distracts us from our ultimate purpose in life, which is to seek the pleasure of Allah and strive for righteousness.

Imam Ali's (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) impactful saying serves as a wake-up call for Muslims to reflect on their own actions and intentions. It urges us to strive for contentment, gratitude, and moderation in our pursuit of worldly possessions. By recognizing the dangers of greed, we can strive for a balanced and righteous life, focusing on the well-being of others and the attainment of spiritual growth.

In conclusion, the Hadith of Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) reminds us that greed is not only a negative trait but also a clear sign of wretchedness. It is a warning against the perils of excessive desire for wealth and material possessions. Through the Quranic verses, we understand that greed leads to resentment, discontentment, and unethical behavior. It distracts us from our ultimate purpose and prevents us from appreciating the blessings bestowed upon us. As Muslims, we are called to seek contentment, gratitude, and moderation in our lives, striving for righteousness and the pleasure of Allah. May Allah protect us from the destructive nature of greed and guide us towards a life of piety and humility.