Hadith #5197

In the name of Allah, the Most Gracious, the Most Merciful. Praise be to Allah, the Lord of all the 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,

لَيْسَ مَعَ الشَّرَهِ عَفافٌ۔

which translates to

There is no chastity with voraciousness.

In this beautiful Hadith, Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) highlights the incompatibility between chastity and greediness.

To understand the deeper meaning of this Hadith, let us first explore the key words used. The word (chastity) "عَفَافٌ" refers to purity, modesty, and self-restraint in one's desires. It encompasses both physical and moral aspects, emphasizing the importance of maintaining one's integrity and avoiding any form of immoderation or excess. On the other hand, the word (voraciousness) "شَّرَهِ" refers to an insatiable appetite or greediness, where one constantly seeks to fulfill their desires without any regard for moderation or self-control.

To further elucidate the meaning of this Hadith, we can turn to the Quran for guidance. Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) says in Surah Al-Isra (17:32),

And do not approach unlawful sexual intercourse. Indeed, it is ever an immorality and is evil as a way.

This verse emphasizes the importance of chastity and the prohibition of engaging in any form of illicit sexual activity. It serves as a reminder that indulging in one's desires without restraint leads to moral corruption and deviance.

Additionally, the Quran also warns against excessive consumption and greed. In Surah Al-Isra (17:29), Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) says,

And do not make your hand [as] chained to your neck or extend it completely and [thereby] become blamed and insolvent.

This verse cautions against extravagance and wastefulness, urging believers to exercise moderation in their spending and avoid falling into the trap of greediness.

Imam Ali's (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) statement highlights the inherent contradiction between chastity and voraciousness. Chastity requires one to exercise self-control and restrain their desires, while voraciousness represents an insatiable appetite that knows no bounds. By indulging in excessive desires and greed, one compromises their chastity and purity.

This Hadith serves as a reminder for Muslims to strive for balance in their lives. It encourages us to cultivate a sense of self-restraint and moderation in all aspects of our existence. Whether it is in matters of physical desires or material possessions, we are reminded to avoid excess and greed. Instead, we should seek contentment and satisfaction in what is lawful and permissible, as prescribed by Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ).

Reflecting on this Hadith, we can see the profound implications it has on our personal and societal well-being. When individuals prioritize their desires and greed over chastity and self-restraint, it leads to a breakdown in moral values and ethical conduct. Such behavior not only harms individuals but also has detrimental consequences for the community as a whole.

Therefore, as Muslims, we should strive to embody the teachings of this Hadith in our daily lives. We should cultivate a sense of self-discipline and moderation, recognizing that true chastity and purity can only be achieved by curbing our desires and avoiding excessive indulgence. By doing so, we can attain a higher level of spiritual and moral excellence, and contribute to the betterment of society as a whole.

May Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) grant us the wisdom and strength to embody the teachings of Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) and strive for chastity and self-restraint in all aspects of our lives.