Hadith #2070

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) warns us about the dangers of greed, describing it as a disgrace to the religion and the worst companion. Let us delve into the meaning of this Hadith and explore its implications in light of the Quran.

The word (hirsa) "حِرْصَ" in this Hadith refers to greed or covetousness. It is an intense desire to possess more wealth, power, or material possessions, often at the expense of others. Greed is a negative trait that can corrupt an individual's character and lead them astray from the path of righteousness.

Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) warns us against the destructive nature of greed in the Quran. In Surah Al-Imran (3:180), Allah says,

And let not those who [greedily] withhold what Allah has given them of His bounty ever think that it is better for them. Rather, it is worse for them. Their necks will be encircled by what they withheld on the Day of Resurrection.

This verse emphasizes that those who hoard their wealth and refuse to spend it for the benefit of others will face severe consequences in the Hereafter. Greed blinds individuals to the true purpose of wealth, which is to be a means of providing for oneself and others, as well as a means of earning reward from Allah.

Furthermore, the Quran highlights the negative consequences of greed in Surah Al-Humazah (104:1-3), where Allah says,

Woe to every scorner and mocker who collects wealth and [continuously] counts it. He thinks that his wealth will make him immortal.

These verses serve as a reminder that wealth and material possessions are temporary and fleeting. Those who are consumed by greed and constantly accumulate wealth without considering the needs of others are deluded into thinking that their wealth will grant them eternal life and happiness. However, true contentment and fulfillment can only be achieved through selflessness and generosity.

Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) further warns us that greed is not only a disgrace to the religion, but it is also the worst companion. Greed can lead individuals to commit various sins and transgressions in their pursuit of wealth and material gain. It can drive them to engage in dishonest practices, exploitation, and oppression of others.

The Quran provides us with numerous examples of the consequences of greed. In Surah Al-Baqarah (2:188), Allah says,

And do not consume one another's wealth unjustly or send it [in bribery] to the rulers in order that [they might aid] you [to] consume a portion of the wealth of the people in sin, while you know [it is unlawful].

This verse highlights the prohibition of consuming the wealth of others unjustly. Greed can lead individuals to engage in corrupt practices, such as bribery and embezzlement, in order to acquire more wealth. Such actions not only harm others but also tarnish the reputation of the religion and its followers.

In conclusion, the Hadith of Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) serves as a powerful reminder for Muslims to be cautious of the destructive nature of greed. It is a trait that can lead individuals astray from the path of righteousness and tarnish the image of the religion. The Quran provides us with clear guidance on the consequences of greed and the importance of selflessness and generosity. May Allah protect us from the pitfalls of greed and guide us to be content and compassionate individuals.