Hadith #5129

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 Hadith of Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) states,

Evil is the riding mount of greed and vain desire is the riding mount of discord.

Let us delve into the significance of this statement in light of the Quran.

The word "markeb" in Arabic refers to a riding mount or a vehicle that carries a person from one place to another. In this Hadith, Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) uses the analogy of riding mounts to illustrate the destructive nature of two vices: greed and vain desire.

Greed, or "hirs", is an insatiable desire for wealth, power, or possessions. It is a driving force that can lead individuals to engage in unethical and harmful actions. The Imam (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) likens greed to an evil riding mount, emphasizing its ability to transport a person towards darkness and moral corruption.

The Quran provides us with several verses that highlight the dangers of greed. In Surah Al-Imran, Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) warns against the love of wealth and material possessions, stating, (Quran 3:30)

You are to die, and they are to die. Then on the Day of Resurrection, you will dispute before your Lord.

This verse reminds us that worldly possessions are temporary and that our true worth lies in our actions and devotion to Allah.

Similarly, in Surah Al-Humazah, Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) condemns those who hoard wealth and are consumed by their greed, saying, (Quran 104:1-3)

Woe to every scorner and mocker who collects wealth and counts it, thinking that his wealth will make him immortal.

This verse serves as a stark reminder that material wealth does not bring true happiness or eternal life.

Vain desire, or "hawa", refers to baseless and whimsical desires that lead individuals astray from the path of righteousness. It is a driving force that can create divisions and conflicts among people. Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) compares vain desire to a riding mount of discord, highlighting its ability to cause strife and disharmony among individuals and communities.

The Quran also warns against following one's vain desires. In Surah Al-Jathiyah, Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) states, (Quran 45:23)

Have you seen he who takes as his god his own desire? Then would you be responsible for him?

This verse reminds us that blindly following our desires can lead us away from the guidance of Allah and hold us accountable for our actions.

Furthermore, in Surah Al-Qasas, Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) warns against the consequences of following vain desires, saying, (Quran 20:124)

And whoever turns away from My remembrance - indeed, he will have a depressed life.

This verse emphasizes that pursuing baseless desires can lead to a life filled with dissatisfaction and unhappiness.

Imam Ali's (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) statement serves as a profound reminder for Muslims to be cautious of the destructive nature of greed and vain desires. Greed can lead to unethical behavior and moral corruption, while vain desires can create divisions and discord among individuals and communities.

Reflecting on this Hadith, we should strive to purify our hearts from the love of material possessions and baseless desires. Instead, we should focus on seeking the pleasure of Allah and following the guidance of the Quran and the teachings of the Prophet Muhammad (ﷺ) and his purified progeny.

May Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) protect us from the evils of greed and vain desires and guide us towards a life of righteousness and harmony. May we always seek His pleasure and follow the path of Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ), who was known for his profound knowledge and wisdom.