Hadith #5200

In the name of Allah, the Most Gracious, the Most Merciful. Praise be to Allah, the Lord of all worlds. May peace and blessings be upon our beloved Prophet Muhammad (ﷺ), his pure progeny, the Ahl al-Bayt, and his noble companions.

The Arabic Hadith of Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) states, "كُلُّ شَرَه مُعَنًّي۔" which translates to

Every voracious one is tormented.

Let us delve into the meaning of this profound statement and explore its implications in light of the Quran.

The word (sharah) "شَرَه" in this Hadith refers to someone who is voracious or greedy. This person is consumed by their insatiable desire for wealth, power, or material possessions. They are driven by their selfish desires and are willing to go to any lengths to fulfill them.

The word (mu'anni) "مُعَنًّي۔" means to be tormented or punished. It signifies the consequences that await those who are engulfed in their voraciousness. This punishment can manifest in various forms, both in this world and the hereafter.

The Quran provides us with numerous verses that shed light on the concept of greed and its consequences. In Surah Al-Isra (17:80), Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) warns us against the destructive nature of greed, saying,

And We have certainly created man from an extract of clay. Then We placed him as a sperm-drop in a firm lodging. Then We made the sperm-drop into a clinging clot, and We made the clot into a lump [of flesh], and We made [from] the lump, bones, and We covered the bones with flesh; then We developed him into another creation. So blessed is Allah, the best of creators. Then indeed, after that, you are to die. Then indeed you, on the Day of Resurrection, will be resurrected.

This verse reminds us of our humble origins and the transient nature of our existence in this world. It serves as a reminder that our focus should be on the eternal life to come, rather than being consumed by worldly desires. Greed blinds us to the reality of our mortality and distracts us from the true purpose of our creation.

Another verse that highlights the consequences of greed is found in Surah Al-Humazah (104:1-3), where Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) says,

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

This verse paints a vivid picture of the mindset of the voracious individual. They are so engrossed in accumulating wealth that they believe it will grant them immortality and eternal happiness. However, Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) warns them of the impending torment that awaits them.

Imam Ali's (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) statement serves as a reminder to Muslims of the dangers of greed and the importance of moderation in all aspects of life. It teaches us that those who are consumed by their desires will ultimately face torment and suffering, both in this world and the hereafter.

The consequences of voraciousness can be seen in various aspects of life. In the pursuit of wealth, individuals may resort to unethical practices, exploitation, and injustice. This not only harms others but also tarnishes their own souls. They become trapped in a cycle of insatiable greed, never finding true contentment or peace.

Furthermore, the torment of voraciousness extends beyond the material realm. It affects our spiritual well-being and distances us from Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ). Greed blinds us to the blessings bestowed upon us by our Creator and prevents us from developing a grateful and humble heart.

Imam Ali's (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) amazing Hadith serves as a reminder to Muslims to reflect on their own actions and intentions. It urges us to strive for moderation, contentment, and selflessness in all aspects of our lives. By doing so, we can avoid the torment of voraciousness and attain true success and happiness in this world and the hereafter.

May Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) protect us from the destructive nature of greed and guide us on the path of moderation and righteousness. May we always seek His pleasure and the well-being of our fellow human beings.