Hadith #6132

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 Hadith of Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) states,

Never let covetousness enslave you and be averse [to the pleasures of this world].

This Hadith emphasizes the importance of avoiding the trap of greed and materialism, and instead encourages Muslims to be content and detached from worldly desires.

The word (satriqannaka) "سترقنك" in the Hadith refers to being enslaved or controlled by covetousness. It warns us against allowing our desires and cravings to dominate our actions and decisions. Covetousness can lead to a never-ending pursuit of wealth, power, and possessions, which can ultimately lead to dissatisfaction and spiritual emptiness.

To understand the significance of this Hadith, we can turn to the Quran for guidance. Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) repeatedly reminds us of the fleeting nature of worldly possessions and the importance of seeking contentment in Him alone. In Surah Al-Baqarah, Allah says, (2:15)

Beautified for people is the love of that which they desire - of women and sons, heaped-up sums of gold and silver, fine branded horses, and cattle and tilled land. That is the enjoyment of worldly life, but Allah has with Him the best return

This verse highlights the temporary nature of worldly pleasures and urges us to redirect our focus towards the eternal rewards that await us in the hereafter. It cautions us against becoming enslaved by our desires and encourages us to seek contentment in the remembrance of Allah and the pursuit of righteous deeds.

Furthermore, in Surah Al-Qasas, Allah narrates the story of Qarun, a man who was blessed with immense wealth and possessions. However, his arrogance and covetousness led to his downfall. Allah says, (28:81)

So We caused the earth to swallow him and his home. And there was for him no company to aid him other than Allah, nor was he of those who [could] defend themselves

This story serves as a powerful reminder of the consequences of allowing covetousness to control our lives. It teaches us that true success and protection can only be found in seeking the pleasure of Allah and being content with what He has ordained for us.

Imam Ali's (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) advice in this Hadith encourages Muslims to adopt a balanced approach towards worldly possessions. It does not advocate for complete renunciation of the world, but rather urges us to be averse to excessive attachment and greed. By detaching ourselves from the materialistic aspects of this world, we can free ourselves from the chains of covetousness and find true contentment in our relationship with Allah.

This Hadith reminds us that the pursuit of worldly pleasures should not be our ultimate goal in life. Instead, we should prioritize our spiritual growth, seek knowledge, and engage in acts of worship that bring us closer to Allah. By doing so, we can attain a state of tranquility and inner peace that surpasses the temporary satisfaction derived from material possessions.

In conclusion, the Hadith of Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) serves as a powerful reminder for Muslims to guard against the enslavement of covetousness and to be averse to excessive attachment to worldly pleasures. It encourages us to seek contentment in the remembrance of Allah and the pursuit of righteous deeds, rather than being consumed by the pursuit of material wealth. By following this advice, we can attain true happiness and fulfillment in both this world and the hereafter. May Allah guide us all on the path of righteousness and grant us the strength to overcome the temptations of this world.