Hadith #6119

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 Arabic Hadith of Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) states,

رُكُوبُ الأطْماعِ يَقْطَعُ رِقابَ الرِّجالِ۔

This can be translated into English as,

Embarking on avidities cuts off the necks of men.

Let us delve into the meaning of the important words in this Hadith. The word (rukub) "رُكُوبُ" refers to embarking or riding upon something. (al-atma'i) "الأطْماعِ" means avidities or excessive desires. And (yaqta'u) "يَقْطَعُ" means to cut off or sever. Finally, (riqab al-rijal) "رِقابَ الرِّجالِ" translates to the necks of men.

To understand the wise message of this Hadith, we can turn to the Quran for guidance. Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) warns us about the dangers of excessive desires and greed in several verses. In Surah Al-Isra (17:80), Allah says,

And We have certainly created man from an extract of clay. Then We placed him as a sperm-drop in a firm lodging. Then We made the sperm-drop into a clinging clot, and We made the clot into a lump [of flesh], and We made [from] the lump, bones, and We covered the bones with flesh; then We developed him into another creation. So blessed is Allah, the best of creators.

This verse reminds us of our humble origins and the fact that we are created by Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) from a mere drop of sperm. It highlights the transient nature of our existence and the importance of recognizing our limitations. When we become consumed by our desires and greed, we lose sight of our purpose and the true essence of our existence.

Furthermore, in Surah Al-Hadid (57:20), Allah says,

Know that the life of this world is but amusement and diversion and adornment and boasting to one another and competition in increase of wealth and children - like the example of a rain whose [resulting] plant growth pleases the tillers; then it dries and you see it turned yellow; then it becomes [scattered] debris. And in the Hereafter is severe punishment and forgiveness from Allah and approval. And what is the worldly life except the enjoyment of delusion.

This verse emphasizes the fleeting nature of worldly desires and possessions. It warns us against becoming engrossed in the pursuit of material wealth and worldly pleasures. Such pursuits are temporary and ultimately lead to disappointment and regret. The true purpose of life lies in seeking the pleasure of Allah and preparing for the eternal life in the Hereafter.

Now, let us reflect on the beautiful message of Imam Ali's (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) Hadith. The phrase

Embarking on avidities cuts off the necks of men

serves as a powerful metaphor. Just as cutting off the neck leads to the death of a person, indulging in excessive desires and greed leads to the destruction of one's spiritual and moral well-being.

When we allow our desires to control us, we become enslaved to our own passions. We lose sight of our values, principles, and the teachings of Islam. Our actions become driven by selfishness and materialistic pursuits, causing harm to ourselves and others. We become disconnected from our purpose in life and the path of righteousness.

Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ), known for his wisdom and deep understanding of Islam, warns us about the consequences of unchecked desires. He reminds us that true success lies in restraining our desires and seeking contentment in the obedience of Allah. By doing so, we attain inner peace, spiritual growth, and a closer connection to our Creator.

In conclusion, Imam Ali's (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) Hadith serves as a powerful reminder for Muslims to be cautious of excessive desires and greed. It urges us to reflect on the transient nature of worldly pursuits and prioritize the pursuit of spiritual growth and righteousness. By restraining our desires and seeking contentment in the obedience of Allah, we can avoid the destructive consequences of embarking on avidities. May Allah guide us all on the straight path and protect us from the temptations of this world.