Hadith #2085

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

The Arabic Hadith of Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) states, "بِالحِرْصِ يَكُونُ العَناءُ۔" This can be translated as,

It is through greed that hardship comes about.

Let us delve into the essence of this statement in light of the Quran.

The word (hiras) "حِرْصِ" in this Hadith refers to greed or excessive desire for worldly possessions. It is the intense longing for material wealth, power, or status. This excessive craving can lead to a multitude of negative consequences, as Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) highlights.

The Quran provides us with several verses that shed light on the detrimental effects of greed. In Surah Al-Isra, Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) warns us about the consequences of pursuing worldly desires excessively. Allah says, (Quran 20:131)

And do not extend your eyes toward that by which We have given enjoyment to [some] categories of them, [its being but] the splendor of worldly life by which We test them. And the provision of your Lord is better and more enduring.

This verse emphasizes that the temporary pleasures and possessions of this world are merely a test from Allah. The pursuit of worldly desires can distract us from our ultimate purpose in life, which is to seek the pleasure of Allah and strive for the eternal rewards of the Hereafter. Greed blinds us to the true purpose of our existence and leads to spiritual and emotional hardships.

Furthermore, in Surah Al-Hadid, Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) warns against the love of worldly possessions and the consequences it brings. Allah says, (Quran 57:20)

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 highlights the fleeting nature of worldly possessions and the delusion they create. The pursuit of wealth and material gains can consume us, leading to a constant cycle of competition and comparison. This obsession with accumulation ultimately results in disappointment, as the possessions we acquire eventually fade away. The consequences of greed are not only limited to this world but also extend to the Hereafter, where severe punishment awaits those who prioritize worldly desires over their spiritual obligations.

Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) reminds us of the negative consequences that arise from greed. When we become consumed by our desires for more, we lose sight of the blessings and contentment that lie in appreciating what we already have. Greed leads to restlessness, dissatisfaction, and a perpetual cycle of wanting more. It creates a constant state of anxiety and hardship, as we are never truly satisfied with our possessions or achievements.

Moreover, greed can damage our relationships with others. It breeds envy, competition, and a lack of empathy. When we prioritize our own desires above the needs of others, we create an environment of selfishness and disregard for the well-being of our fellow human beings. This not only harms our social fabric but also distances us from the teachings of Islam, which emphasize compassion, generosity, and selflessness.

In conclusion, the Hadith of Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) serves as a profound reminder for Muslims to be cautious of the dangers of greed. By reflecting on the Quranic verses that highlight the consequences of pursuing worldly desires excessively, we can strive to strike a balance between our material needs and our spiritual obligations. Let us seek contentment in the blessings that Allah has bestowed upon us and prioritize the pursuit of righteousness and the Hereafter over the temporary pleasures of this world. May Allah protect us from the harms of greed and guide us on the path of moderation and piety.