Hadith #6089

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, and his noble companions.

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

المَذَلَّةُ والمَهانَةُ والشَّقاءُ، فِي الطَّمَعِ، والحِرْصِ۔

This Hadith highlights the negative consequences of covetousness and greed, which lead to abasement, disgrace, and wretchedness.

Let us delve into the meanings of the key words in this Hadith. "المَذَلَّةُ" refers to humiliation or abasement, "المَهانَةُ" means disgrace or dishonor, and "الشَّقاءُ" signifies wretchedness or misery. These words emphasize the undesirable outcomes that result from the vices of covetousness and greed.

To better understand the significance of this Hadith, let us turn to the Quran for guidance. Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) warns us in Surah Al-Hashr (59:9):

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 reminds us of the importance of seeking forgiveness and avoiding resentment towards our fellow believers. Covetousness and greed can lead to envy and resentment, which ultimately results in abasement and disgrace. By harboring negative feelings towards others, we distance ourselves from the mercy and kindness of Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ).

Furthermore, in Surah Al-Qasas (28:77), Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) warns against the destructive nature of greed:

But seek, through that which Allah has given you, the home of the Hereafter; and [yet], do not forget your share of the world. And do good as Allah has done good to you. And desire not corruption in the land. Indeed, Allah does not like corrupters.

This verse reminds us to strike a balance between our worldly pursuits and our spiritual aspirations. Covetousness and greed can lead us astray from the path of righteousness, causing corruption and unrest in society. By focusing solely on material gains, we risk losing sight of our ultimate goal, which is the eternal abode in the Hereafter.

Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ), known for his profound knowledge and wisdom, warns us about the detrimental consequences of covetousness and greed. These vices not only harm our spiritual well-being but also have tangible effects on our worldly affairs. They can lead to a constant state of dissatisfaction and unhappiness, as we are always chasing after more without finding contentment.

Moreover, covetousness and greed can damage our relationships with others. When we are consumed by the desire for material possessions, we may become envious of those who have more than us, leading to resentment and animosity. This can result in a breakdown of trust and harmony within our communities.

In conclusion, the Hadith of Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) serves as a reminder for Muslims to be cautious of the vices of covetousness and greed. These qualities not only lead to abasement, disgrace, and wretchedness but also have negative consequences in both our spiritual and worldly lives. We should strive to find contentment in what Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) has blessed us with and avoid the destructive path of materialistic pursuits. May Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) protect us from the pitfalls of covetousness and greed and grant us the strength to lead a balanced and righteous life.