Hadith #2089

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 Arabic Hadith of Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) states:

رَدُّ الحِرْصِ يَحْسِمُ الشَّرَهَ، والمَطامِعَ۔

This can be translated as

Shunning greed severs gluttony and cupidity.

Let us delve into the meanings of the important words in this Hadith. "رَدُّ الحِرْصِ" refers to the act of shunning or rejecting greed. "يَحْسِمُ" means to sever or cut off, while "الشَّرَهَ" refers to gluttony or excessive indulgence in food. Lastly, "والمَطامِعَ" denotes cupidity or an insatiable desire for wealth and material possessions.

To understand the impactful message of this Hadith, let us turn to the Quran for guidance. Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) says in Surah Al-Isra (17:80):

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 from Allah and relying on Him rather than being consumed by greed and material desires.

Furthermore, in Surah Al-Qasas (28:77), Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) warns against the perils of greed and excessive desire for worldly possessions:

But seek, with the (wealth) which Allah has bestowed on thee, the Home of the Hereafter, nor forget thy portion in this world: but do thou good, as Allah has been good to thee, and seek not (occasions for) mischief in the land: for Allah loves not those who do mischief.

Imam Ali's (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) enlightening Hadith highlights the destructive nature of greed. When we allow greed to overpower us, it leads to gluttony and excessive indulgence in food. This not only harms our physical health but also affects our spiritual well-being. Similarly, cupidity, or an insatiable desire for wealth and material possessions, leads to a never-ending pursuit of worldly gains, often at the expense of our moral values and spiritual growth.

By shunning greed, we sever the negative consequences of gluttony and cupidity. We free ourselves from the shackles of materialism and focus on attaining spiritual contentment and closeness to Allah. This act of rejecting greed allows us to prioritize our actions and intentions, seeking the pleasure of Allah rather than the temporary pleasures of this world.

For example, when we control our desire for excessive food, we learn self-discipline and moderation. This not only benefits our physical health but also strengthens our willpower and self-control in other aspects of life. Similarly, when we detach ourselves from the insatiable desire for wealth, we become content with what Allah has blessed us with and focus on using our resources to benefit others and seek His pleasure.

The consequences of shunning greed are far-reaching. It leads to a balanced and harmonious life, where our actions are guided by piety and righteousness. We become more compassionate and generous towards others, as we prioritize their well-being over our own material gains. Moreover, by rejecting greed, we cultivate a sense of gratitude for the blessings bestowed upon us by Allah, which in turn strengthens our faith and spiritual connection with Him.

In conclusion, the Hadith of Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) teaches us the importance of shunning greed in order to sever the negative consequences of gluttony and cupidity. By rejecting greed, we attain self-discipline, contentment, and spiritual growth. Let us strive to embody these teachings in our lives as Muslims, seeking the pleasure of Allah and prioritizing our spiritual well-being over worldly desires. May Allah guide us on the path of righteousness and grant us the strength to overcome the temptations of greed.