Hadith #2107

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,

مَنْ غَلَبَ عَلَيْهِ الحِرْصُ عَظُمَتْ ذِلَّتُهُ۔

This can be translated as,

One who is overcome by greed faces great humiliation.

Let us delve into the key words of this Hadith to gain a deeper understanding. The word (ghalaba) "غَلَبَ" means to be overcome or overwhelmed. It implies a state of being dominated or controlled by something. (al-hirsu) "الحِرْصُ" refers to greed or excessive desire for wealth, power, or material possessions. And (azhumat dhillatuhu) "عَظُمَتْ ذِلَّتُهُ" means great humiliation or disgrace.

To comprehend the significance of this Hadith, we can turn to the Quran for guidance. Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) warns us about the destructive nature of greed in multiple verses. 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 highlights the consequences of greed, emphasizing that withholding what Allah has bestowed upon us will ultimately lead to a severe punishment. Greed blinds individuals from recognizing the blessings of Allah and causes them to hoard their wealth, leading to their own downfall and humiliation.

Another verse that sheds light on the Hadith is in Surah Al-Hashr (59:9), where Allah says,

And [also for] those who were settled in the Home [i.e., Al-Madinah] and [adopted] the faith before them. They love those who emigrated to them and find not any want in their breasts of what the emigrants were given but give [them] preference over themselves, even though they are in privation. And whoever is protected from the stinginess of his soul - it is those who will be the successful.

This verse highlights the virtue of selflessness and generosity, contrasting it with the negative trait of stinginess or greed. Those who overcome their greed and prioritize the needs of others over their own find success and honor in the sight of Allah. They are not driven by personal gain but rather by the desire to please Allah and help their fellow Muslims.

Reflecting on the Hadith of Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ), we can understand that greed is a destructive trait that leads to humiliation and disgrace. When a person becomes consumed by greed, they lose sight of their moral values and become enslaved to their desires. This can lead to unethical behavior, such as hoarding wealth, exploiting others, or engaging in dishonest practices.

Furthermore, greed can also have detrimental effects on one's spiritual well-being. It distracts individuals from their true purpose in life, which is to worship Allah and seek His pleasure. Instead of focusing on the hereafter and accumulating good deeds, the greedy person becomes fixated on amassing worldly possessions, which ultimately hold no value in the sight of Allah.

Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ), known for his immense knowledge and wisdom, warns us about the perils of greed. By highlighting the consequences of being overwhelmed by greed, he reminds us to prioritize contentment, gratitude, and selflessness in our lives. By doing so, we can avoid the humiliation and disgrace that comes with being consumed by our desires.

In conclusion, the Hadith of Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) serves as a powerful reminder for Muslims to guard against the destructive nature of greed. It urges us to strive for contentment, selflessness, and gratitude, as these qualities lead to honor and success in the sight of Allah. May we all seek refuge in Allah from the traps of greed and strive to embody the teachings of our beloved Prophet Muhammad (ﷺ) and his noble family.