Hadith #6109

In the name of Allah, the Most Gracious, the Most Merciful. Praise be to Allah, the Lord of all the worlds. Peace and blessings be upon our beloved Prophet Muhammad (ﷺ), his pure Ahl al-Bayt, and his noble companions.

The Arabic Hadith of Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) states, "الطمع يذل الأمير" which translates to

Covetousness debases the commander.

This Hadith highlights the detrimental effects of greed and covetousness on a leader's position and authority.

Let us delve deeper into the meaning of the key words in this Hadith. (Al-Tama') "الطمع" refers to an intense desire for wealth, power, or possessions. It is an insatiable greed that drives a person to constantly seek more, without considering the consequences or the rights of others. (Yudhillu) "يذل" means to humiliate, degrade, or lower in status. And (Al-Amir) "الأمير" refers to a commander or a leader.

To understand the wise message of this Hadith, we can turn to the Quran for guidance. Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) warns against the destructive nature of covetousness 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. Covetousness can lead to animosity and division among people, which is contrary to the qualities of a just and effective leader.

Furthermore, in Surah Al-Qasas (28:76), Allah advises Prophet Musa (Moses) to beware of the allure of wealth and power. Allah says,

Indeed, Qarun was from the people of Moses, but he tyrannized them. And We gave him of treasures whose keys would burden a band of strong men; thereupon his people said to him, 'Do not exult. Indeed, Allah does not like the exultant.'

This verse serves as a cautionary tale, reminding us that excessive desire for worldly possessions can lead to arrogance, oppression, and the loss of one's moral compass.

Applying these Quranic teachings to the Hadith of Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ), we can understand that a leader who is consumed by greed and covetousness will inevitably lose the respect and trust of their followers. When a commander becomes solely focused on personal gain, they neglect the welfare and needs of those under their authority. This leads to a breakdown in the social fabric and undermines the very essence of leadership.

Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ), known for his unparalleled wisdom and knowledge, emphasized the importance of selflessness and justice in leadership. He understood that a leader's primary responsibility is to serve and protect their people, rather than exploit them for personal gain. By highlighting the negative consequences of covetousness, Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) reminds us of the qualities that a true leader should possess - integrity, humility, and a genuine concern for the well-being of their community.

In conclusion, the Hadith of Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ),

Covetousness debases the commander,

serves as a profound reminder for all Muslims, regardless of their sect. It warns against the destructive nature of greed and covetousness, which can tarnish the reputation and authority of a leader. By reflecting on the teachings of the Quran, we understand that a true leader is one who prioritizes the welfare of their people over personal gain. May Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) guide us all to be just and selfless leaders, and protect us from the pitfalls of covetousness.