Hadith #5190

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, "بِئْسَ الطَّبْعُ الشَّرَهُ۔" This can be translated as,

What a bad character trait voraciousness is!

In this Hadith, Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) draws our attention to the negative nature of being excessively greedy or voracious.

To understand the depth and significance of this Hadith, let us explore the key words used. The word (tab') "طَبْعُ" refers to a character trait or disposition, while (sharah) "شَّرَهُ" means voraciousness or greed. Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) is highlighting the detrimental effects of this particular character trait.

In the Quran, Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) warns against the negative consequences of greed and excessive desire. In Surah Al-Isra (17:100), Allah says,

And We had certainly made them [Pharaoh and his people] powerful in the land, and We showed them of Our signs that perhaps they would return [to faith]. But when they saw it as a cloud approaching their valleys, they said, 'This is a cloud bringing us rain!' Rather, it is that for which you were impatient: a wind, within it a painful punishment.

This verse illustrates how the people of Pharaoh were consumed by their voraciousness for power and wealth. Their greed blinded them from recognizing the signs of Allah and led them to their own destruction. Similarly, in Surah Al-Qasas (28:76), Allah warns,

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.'

The story of Qarun highlights the consequences of excessive greed. Despite being blessed with immense wealth, Qarun's arrogance and voraciousness led to his downfall. These Quranic verses emphasize the importance of avoiding the negative character trait of voraciousness and the destructive consequences it can have.

Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ), known for his profound knowledge and wisdom, reminds us of the dangers of being excessively greedy. Voraciousness not only harms oneself but also affects relationships with others. It leads to a disregard for the rights of others, as one becomes solely focused on fulfilling their own desires. This trait can manifest in various aspects of life, such as wealth, power, or even food.

For example, a person who is excessively greedy for wealth may resort to unethical means to accumulate more money, disregarding the principles of justice and fairness. This can lead to corruption, exploitation, and harm to society as a whole. Similarly, a person who is voracious in their desire for food may overindulge, leading to health problems and a lack of self-control.

Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) reminds us to cultivate moderation and contentment in our lives. The Quran encourages us to seek sustenance in a lawful and balanced manner. In Surah Al-A'raf (7:31), Allah says,

O children of Adam, take your adornment at every masjid, and eat and drink, but be not excessive. Indeed, He likes not those who commit excess.

This verse teaches us the importance of moderation and balance in our actions, including our consumption of food and drink. It reminds us that excessive indulgence is displeasing to Allah. By practicing moderation, we can avoid the negative consequences of voraciousness and maintain a balanced and righteous lifestyle.

In conclusion, the Hadith of Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) serves as a powerful reminder for Muslims to be cautious of the character trait of voraciousness. Through the examples provided in the Quran, we understand the detrimental effects of excessive greed and desire. Imam Ali's wisdom urges us to cultivate moderation and contentment in our lives, avoiding the pitfalls of voraciousness. May Allah guide us to follow the teachings of the Quran and the Ahl al-Bayt (عَلَيْهِمُ ٱلسَّلَامُ) and protect us from falling into the trap of excessive greed.