Hadith #2096

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 the seal of the Prophets, Muhammad (ﷺ), his pure progeny, and his noble companions.

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

فِي الحِرْصِ الشَّقاءُ، والنَّصَبُ۔

which translates to

In greed there is misery and anguish.

This concise statement by Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) highlights the negative consequences of greed and the suffering it brings upon individuals.

To understand the profound wisdom behind this Hadith, let us delve into the meanings of the key words. (greed) "الحِرْصِ" refers to an intense desire for wealth, power, or possessions. It is a state of excessive longing and craving for worldly gains, often leading to unethical and harmful actions. (misery) "الشَّقاءُ" signifies a state of extreme unhappiness, distress, and dissatisfaction. It is the result of being consumed by greed and constantly chasing after materialistic desires. (anguish) "النَّصَبُ" refers to the pain and torment one experiences due to the consequences of greed. It encompasses the emotional and psychological suffering that arises from being trapped in a never-ending cycle of wanting more.

The Quran provides numerous verses that support the message conveyed in this Hadith. Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) warns against the destructive nature of greed and its detrimental effects on individuals and society. In Surah Al-Imran, Allah says, (Quran 63:9)

O you who have believed, let not your wealth and your children divert you from remembrance of Allah. And whoever does that - then those are the losers.

This verse emphasizes the importance of prioritizing the remembrance of Allah over worldly possessions. It reminds Muslims that excessive attachment to wealth and materialistic desires can lead to loss and spiritual deprivation.

Furthermore, in Surah Al-Takathur, Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) states, (Quran 102:1-2)

Competition in [worldly] increase diverts you until you visit the graveyards.

This verse highlights how the relentless pursuit of worldly gains can distract individuals from their ultimate purpose in life and lead them astray. It serves as a reminder that the accumulation of wealth and possessions will not bring true happiness and fulfillment.

Imam Ali's (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) Hadith serves as a profound reflection on the consequences of greed. When individuals become consumed by greed, they are never satisfied with what they have and are constantly seeking more. This insatiable desire for worldly possessions leads to a state of perpetual dissatisfaction and discontentment. It blinds individuals to the blessings they already possess and prevents them from experiencing true inner peace and tranquility.

Greed also has wider societal implications. When individuals prioritize their own selfish desires over the well-being of others, it leads to an imbalance in society. The gap between the rich and the poor widens, and the disadvantaged suffer as a result. Greed fosters an environment of competition and exploitation, where individuals are willing to engage in unethical practices to fulfill their desires. This ultimately leads to social unrest and disharmony.

Imam Ali's (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) impactful saying serves as a reminder for Muslims to guard against the destructive nature of greed. It urges us to prioritize spiritual growth and contentment over materialistic pursuits. By focusing on the remembrance of Allah and seeking His pleasure, we can find true happiness and fulfillment. Let us reflect upon this Hadith and strive to free ourselves from the shackles of greed, so that we may lead a life of peace, contentment, and righteousness. May Allah guide us all on the path of righteousness and protect us from the perils of greed.