Hadith #5186

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 Ahl al-Bayt, and his righteous companions.

The Arabic Hadith of Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) states:

الشَّرَهُ جامِعٌ لِمَساوِي الْعُيُوبِ۔

This Hadith can be translated into English as:

Voraciousness is an accumulator of the worst faults.

Let us delve into the deeper meaning of this beautiful saying of Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) and explore its implications in light of the Quran.

The word (voraciousness) "شَّرَهُ" refers to an intense desire or greed for something, often related to food, wealth, or power. It is a state of excessive craving and indulgence. Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) warns us that this voraciousness is not only detrimental to our physical well-being but also to our spiritual and moral character.

To understand the significance of this warning, let us turn to the Quran for guidance. In Surah Al-Isra (17:100), Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) says:

And We have certainly created man weak.

This verse reminds us of our inherent vulnerability as human beings. We are prone to weaknesses and temptations, and it is our duty to strive against them.

Voraciousness, in its various forms, leads to the accumulation of the worst faults. When we indulge in excessive eating, for example, we not only harm our physical health but also neglect the rights of others who are deprived of basic necessities. This excessive desire for food can lead to gluttony, selfishness, and a lack of empathy towards those who are less fortunate.

Similarly, voraciousness for wealth can lead to greed, dishonesty, and exploitation of others. Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) warns us in Surah Al-Humazah (104:1-2):

Woe to every scorner and mocker, who collects wealth and [continuously] counts it.

This verse highlights the negative consequences of accumulating wealth without considering the needs of others and without fulfilling our responsibilities towards society.

Furthermore, voraciousness for power and authority can lead to tyranny, oppression, and the abuse of rights. In Surah Al-Baqarah (2:30), Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) reminds us of the story of Adam (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) and Iblis, where Iblis refused to prostrate to Adam out of arrogance and desire for power. This serves as a cautionary tale, warning us against the dangers of unchecked ambition and the negative consequences it can have on our character.

Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ), being the epitome of knowledge and wisdom, emphasizes the importance of moderation and self-restraint. He teaches us that excessive desire and indulgence are not only harmful to ourselves but also to our relationships with others and our overall moral character.

In conclusion, the Hadith of Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) reminds us that voraciousness, whether it be for food, wealth, or power, is an accumulator of the worst faults. It leads to a neglect of our responsibilities towards others, a lack of empathy, and a deterioration of our moral character. As Muslims, we should strive to cultivate moderation, self-restraint, and contentment in order to avoid the pitfalls of voraciousness and to uphold the values of compassion, justice, and righteousness in our lives. May Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) guide us on the path of moderation and protect us from the negative consequences of excessive desire.