Hadith #1430

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,

مَنْ لَزِمَ الشُّحَّ عَدِمَ النَّصيحَ۔

This can be translated as,

One who persists in avarice is deprived of [sincere] advisers.

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

The word (avarice) "شُّحَّ" refers to an intense desire for wealth and material possessions, often leading to a selfish and greedy attitude. It is a characteristic that is condemned in Islam, as it promotes a lack of generosity and compassion towards others. The word (advisers) "نَّصيحَ" refers to sincere and well-intentioned individuals who offer guidance and counsel.

In the Quran, Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) warns against the detrimental effects of avarice. 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 emphasizes that those who cling onto their wealth out of greed will face severe consequences in the Hereafter.

Furthermore, in Surah Al-Humazah (104:1-3), Allah describes the characteristics of individuals who are engrossed in avarice. He says,

Woe to every scorner and mocker, who collects wealth and [continuously] counts it. He thinks that his wealth will make him immortal.

Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) highlights the consequences of persisting in avarice. When one becomes consumed by the love of wealth and possessions, they lose sight of the importance of sincere advisers. Such individuals are deprived of the guidance and wisdom that comes from those who genuinely care for their well-being. This deprivation can lead to a state of spiritual and moral decline, as one becomes disconnected from the righteous path.

To illustrate this point, let us consider an example. Imagine a person who is excessively attached to their wealth and is unwilling to part with it for the sake of others. They may refuse to give to charity, help those in need, or support noble causes. As a result, they isolate themselves from the righteous individuals who could have advised them to prioritize generosity and selflessness. Consequently, they miss out on the opportunity to develop their character and attain spiritual growth.

The Hadith of Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) serves as a reminder for Muslims to avoid the trap of avarice. It emphasizes the importance of seeking sincere advisers who can guide us towards righteousness and help us overcome the negative effects of greed. By detaching ourselves from the love of wealth and material possessions, we open ourselves up to the blessings and wisdom that come from selflessness and generosity.

In conclusion, the Hadith of Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) warns against the perils of avarice and its impact on our ability to seek sincere advice. It urges us to prioritize spiritual growth and moral development over the accumulation of wealth. By doing so, we can foster a sense of generosity, compassion, and humility, which are qualities that are highly regarded in Islam. May Allah guide us all to follow the teachings of the Quran and the Ahl al-Bayt (عَلَيْهِمُ ٱلسَّلَامُ) and protect us from the pitfalls of avarice.