Hadith #2131

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 noble companions.

The provided Hadith of Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) states,

A greedy person is never found relaxing.

This amazing Hadith of Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) highlights the negative consequences of greed and the importance of contentment in the life of a Muslim.

Let us delve into the key words of this Hadith to gain a deeper understanding. The word (haris) "حَريص" refers to a person who is excessively eager or greedy, always desiring more and never being satisfied with what they have. This word emphasizes the insatiable nature of greed, which drives a person to constantly seek more wealth, power, or possessions.

Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) states that such a person is (layulfa) "لايُلْفَى", meaning they are never found (mustarihan) "مُسْتَريحاً", which can be translated as "relaxing" or "at ease." This implies that the greedy individual is always restless, anxious, and never able to find true peace and tranquility in their life.

To further understand the wisdom behind this Hadith, let us turn to the Quran, which provides guidance on the dangers of greed and the importance of contentment. Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) says in Surah Al-Hashr (59:9),

And those who, before them, had homes (in Medina) and had adopted the Faith, love those who emigrate to them, and have no jealousy in their breasts for that which they have been given, and give them preference over themselves even though they were in need of that.

This verse highlights the virtue of selflessness and contentment, as the believers in Medina were willing to share their resources with the immigrants, without harboring any jealousy or greed.

Furthermore, in Surah Al-Baqarah (2:96), Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) warns against the destructive nature of greed when He says,

And you will surely find them the most greedy of people for life - [even] more than those who associate others with Allah. One of them wishes that he could be granted life a thousand years, but it would not remove him in the least from the [coming] punishment that he should be granted life.

This verse illustrates how greed can blind a person to the true purpose of life, leading them to prioritize worldly desires over their spiritual well-being.

Imam Ali's (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) statement serves as a reminder for Muslims to be cautious of the destructive nature of greed. When a person is consumed by greed, they become enslaved to their desires, constantly chasing after material possessions and worldly success. This insatiable pursuit can lead to a life of restlessness, anxiety, and dissatisfaction.

On the other hand, contentment is a virtue emphasized in Islam. The Prophet Muhammad (ﷺ) said,

Contentment is a treasure that never diminishes.

When a person is content with what Allah has blessed them with, they find peace and tranquility in their heart. They are able to appreciate the blessings they have been given and focus on their spiritual growth and the well-being of others.

Greed not only affects an individual's inner peace but also has wider societal implications. When people are driven by greed, they may resort to unethical means to acquire wealth or power, leading to corruption, exploitation, and injustice. This Hadith serves as a reminder for Muslims to strive for contentment and to be mindful of the negative consequences of greed in both their personal lives and society as a whole.

In conclusion, the Hadith of Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ)

A greedy person is never found relaxing

serves as a profound reminder for Muslims to be cautious of the destructive nature of greed. It highlights the importance of contentment and the negative consequences of constantly seeking more. By cultivating contentment and gratitude for the blessings bestowed upon us by Allah, we can find true peace and tranquility in our lives. May Allah guide us all to the path of contentment and protect us from the pitfalls of greed.