Hadith #2120

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

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

الحريص أسير مهانة لايفك أسره

which translates to

The greedy one is a prisoner of disgrace, never to be freed from his prison.

This profound statement by Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) highlights the detrimental consequences of greed and warns Muslims against falling into its trap.

Let us delve deeper into the key words of this Hadith to gain a better understanding. The word (al-harees) "الحريص" refers to someone who is excessively eager or greedy for worldly possessions, wealth, or power. This person is constantly driven by their desires and is never satisfied with what they have. They are always seeking more, regardless of the means they employ to achieve it.

Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) describes this individual as (aseer mahana) "أسير مهانة", meaning a prisoner of disgrace. Here, the term (aseer) "أسير" signifies being captive or imprisoned, while (mahana) "مهانة" refers to disgrace or humiliation. The Imam (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) is emphasizing that the greedy person is not only trapped in their insatiable desires but also bound by the shame and humiliation that accompanies their actions.

To understand the wisdom behind this Hadith, we can turn to the Quran for guidance. Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) warns us about the destructive nature of greed in several verses. In Surah Al-Hashr (59:9), Allah says,

And those who came after them say, 'Our Lord, forgive us and our brothers who preceded us in faith and put not in our hearts [any] resentment toward those who have believed. Our Lord, indeed You are Kind and Merciful.'

This verse highlights the importance of seeking forgiveness and letting go of resentment towards others. Greed often leads to envy and resentment, which can ultimately destroy relationships and lead to disgrace.

Furthermore, in Surah Al-Isra (17:80), Allah says,

And say: My Lord! Cause me to come in with a firm incoming and to go out with a firm outgoing. And give me from Thy presence a sustaining Power.

This verse emphasizes the importance of seeking sustenance and blessings from Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) rather than relying on worldly possessions. The greedy person, however, is so consumed by their desire for more that they lose sight of the true sustainer and provider.

Imam Ali's (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) Hadith serves as a powerful reminder for Muslims to guard against the pitfalls of greed. The greedy person is trapped in a never-ending cycle of discontentment, constantly chasing after material possessions and worldly gains. This insatiable desire blinds them to the blessings and contentment that can be found in gratitude and moderation.

The consequences of greed are not limited to the spiritual realm; they also have real-life implications. Greed can lead to unethical behavior, such as dishonesty, exploitation, and oppression. It can destroy relationships, breed envy and resentment, and ultimately bring about disgrace and humiliation.

Reflecting on this Hadith, Muslims are reminded to cultivate contentment and gratitude in their lives. We should strive to be satisfied with what Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) has bestowed upon us and avoid falling into the trap of greed. By doing so, we can free ourselves from the prison of disgrace and find true fulfillment and peace in our hearts.

May Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) protect us from the destructive nature of greed and guide us towards a life of contentment and righteousness. Ameen.