Hadith #2126

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 لِحَريص غَناءٌ۔" which translates to

There is no adequacy for a greedy person.

In this beautiful saying, Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) highlights the detrimental nature of greed and its impact on an individual's spiritual and material well-being.

To fully comprehend the significance of this Hadith, let us delve into the meanings of the key words. The term (haris) "حَريص" refers to a person who is excessively eager or covetous, someone who is driven by an insatiable desire for wealth, power, or possessions. This person is never content with what they have and constantly seeks to accumulate more, often at the expense of others. The word (ghana) "غَناءٌ" denotes adequacy, self-sufficiency, or contentment. It signifies a state of being satisfied and fulfilled, where one's needs are met without the need for excessive accumulation.

In the Quran, Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) warns against the destructive nature of greed and emphasizes the importance of contentment. In Surah Al-Baqarah, Allah says, (Quran 4:29)

O you who have believed, do not consume one another's wealth unjustly but only [in lawful] business by mutual consent. And do not kill yourselves [or one another]. Indeed, Allah is to you ever Merciful

This verse highlights the prohibition of unjust acquisition of wealth and the importance of fair trade and mutual consent in business transactions. It serves as a reminder that greed-driven actions not only harm others but also lead to self-destruction.

Furthermore, in Surah Al-Hashr, Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) describes the qualities of the believers, stating, (Quran 42:39-42)

And [they are] those who, when an oppressive wrong is done to them, they take revenge. But the retribution for an evil act is an evil one like it, but whoever pardons and makes reconciliation - his reward is [due] from Allah. Indeed, He does not like wrongdoers. And whoever avenges himself after having been wronged - those have not upon them any cause [for blame]. The cause is only against the ones who wrong the people and tyrannize upon the earth without right. Those will have a painful punishment

These verses highlight the importance of forgiveness and reconciliation, condemning those who wrong others and oppress them for personal gain.

Imam Ali's (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) Hadith serves as a reminder to Muslims of the dangers of greed and the importance of contentment. Greed leads to a never-ending pursuit of material possessions, power, and wealth, which can ultimately lead to a person's downfall in both this world and the hereafter. It blinds individuals to the blessings they already possess and prevents them from appreciating the simple joys of life.

A greedy person is never satisfied, constantly seeking more and more, and often resorting to unethical means to fulfill their desires. This insatiable hunger for wealth and power can lead to corruption, exploitation, and harm to others. It creates an imbalance in society, as resources are hoarded by a few, leaving the majority deprived and marginalized.

On the other hand, contentment is a virtue emphasized in Islam. The Quran encourages Muslims to be grateful for the blessings bestowed upon them and to be content with what Allah has provided. In Surah Al-Isra, Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) 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 reminds Muslims to focus on the everlasting provisions of the hereafter rather than being consumed by the temporary pleasures of this world.

Imam Ali's (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) Hadith serves as a profound reminder for Muslims to reflect on their own actions and intentions. It encourages us to strive for contentment and to be satisfied with what Allah has provided for us. By cultivating a sense of gratitude and recognizing the blessings in our lives, we can overcome the destructive nature of greed and find true fulfillment and peace. May Allah guide us all to live a life of contentment and protect us from the pitfalls of greed.