Hadith #2130

In the name of Allah, the Most Gracious, the Most Merciful. May peace and blessings be upon the Prophet Muhammad (ﷺ), his family, the Ahl al-Bayt, and his companions.

The Arabic Hadith of Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) states, "لاحَياءَ لِحَريص۔" This Hadith can be translated into English as,

A greedy person has no shame.

Let us delve into the significance of this Hadith in light of the Quran.

The word (hayaa) "حَيَاءَ" in Arabic refers to a sense of modesty, shame, or bashfulness. It is a noble quality that restrains a person from engaging in inappropriate or immoral behavior. It is a characteristic that is highly valued in Islam, as it promotes humility, self-respect, and a sense of moral consciousness.

The word (haris) "حَريص" in Arabic refers to a person who is greedy, covetous, or excessively desirous of wealth, possessions, or power. Such an individual is driven by their insatiable desire for material gain and is willing to compromise their values and principles to achieve their goals.

To understand the significance of this Hadith, let us turn to the Quran for guidance. Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) warns us about the detrimental effects of greed in several verses. In Surah Al-Imran, Allah says, (Quran 63:9)

O you who have believed, let not your wealth and your children divert you from remembrance of Allah. And whoever does that - then those are the losers.

This verse highlights the danger of allowing our greed for wealth and worldly possessions to distract us from our ultimate purpose in life, which is to worship and remember Allah. When a person becomes consumed by their desire for material gain, they lose sight of their spiritual obligations and the true purpose of their existence.

Furthermore, in Surah Al-Humazah, Allah describes the consequences of greed, saying, (Quran 104:1-4)

Woe to every scorner and mocker, who collects wealth and [continuously] counts it. He thinks that his wealth will make him immortal. No! He will surely be thrown into the Crusher.

This verse serves as a stark reminder that no matter how much wealth a person accumulates, it cannot grant them eternal life or protect them from the consequences of their actions. Greed blinds individuals to the transient nature of worldly possessions and leads them to prioritize material gain over their spiritual well-being.

Imam Ali's (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) Hadith emphasizes the absence of shame or modesty in a greedy person. When a person becomes consumed by their desire for wealth, they are willing to engage in unethical or immoral practices to satisfy their insatiable appetite. They lose their sense of moral consciousness and disregard the principles of honesty, integrity, and fairness.

The consequences of greed are not limited to the individual alone; they extend to society as a whole. Greed breeds corruption, inequality, and injustice. It creates an environment where the rich exploit the poor, where dishonesty prevails, and where the needs of the vulnerable are neglected. Greed erodes the fabric of society and undermines the values of compassion, empathy, and social responsibility.

Reflecting on this Hadith, we are reminded of the importance of cultivating a sense of modesty and contentment in our lives. Islam encourages us to strive for success and prosperity, but not at the expense of our moral values and principles. We should be mindful of the dangers of greed and the negative impact it can have on our spiritual and social well-being.

In conclusion, the Hadith of Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) serves as a powerful reminder of the detrimental effects of greed. It highlights the absence of shame or modesty in a person driven by their insatiable desire for material gain. By reflecting on the teachings of the Quran, we understand that greed leads to spiritual and moral decay, and it undermines the principles of justice, fairness, and compassion. As Muslims, we should strive to cultivate contentment, gratitude, and a sense of moral consciousness in our pursuit of success and prosperity. May Allah protect us from the destructive influence of greed and guide us on the path of righteousness.