Hadith #2103

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 Hadith of Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) states,

مَنْ حَرَصَ شَقَى وتَعَنّى۔

which translates to

One who is greedy becomes wretched and undergoes hardship.

This wise utterance of Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) highlights the negative consequences of greed and the hardships it brings upon an individual.

Let us delve deeper into the words used in this Hadith. The word (harasa) "حَرَصَ" refers to the intense desire or greed for something. It is a state of covetousness and excessive longing for worldly possessions or power. This intense desire can lead a person to engage in unethical and immoral actions, disregarding the rights of others and neglecting their own spiritual well-being.

Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) warns us that such greediness leads to wretchedness and hardship. The word (shaqaa) "شَقَى" refers to a state of misery, unhappiness, and wretchedness. When a person is consumed by greed, they are never satisfied with what they have and are constantly chasing after more. This insatiable desire for material possessions or power only brings them distress and discontentment.

The word (ta'anna) "تَعَنَّى" in the Hadith means to undergo hardship or to suffer. Greediness not only leads to wretchedness but also brings about various forms of hardships in a person's life. They may experience financial difficulties, strained relationships, and a constant sense of dissatisfaction. This greed-driven pursuit of worldly desires blinds them to the true purpose of life and the importance of contentment and gratitude.

To understand the significance of Imam Ali's (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) statement, let us turn to the Quran for guidance. Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) repeatedly warns against the destructive nature of greed and the pursuit of worldly possessions. In Surah Al-Hashr (59:9), Allah says,

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 to seek forgiveness and not harbor resentment towards others. Greed often stems from a sense of envy and covetousness towards what others possess. By seeking forgiveness and letting go of such negative feelings, we can free ourselves from the shackles of greed and find contentment in what Allah has blessed us with.

Furthermore, in Surah Al-Qasas (28:77), Allah says,

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 emphasizes the importance of balancing our pursuit of the worldly life with our ultimate goal of attaining success in the Hereafter. We are encouraged to seek the blessings of this world but not at the expense of our spiritual well-being or by engaging in corrupt practices. Greed blinds us to the true purpose of life and can lead us astray from the path of righteousness.

Imam Ali's (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) Hadith serves as a powerful reminder for Muslims to reflect upon their intentions and desires. It urges us to prioritize spiritual growth and contentment over the insatiable pursuit of worldly possessions. By cultivating gratitude, generosity, and selflessness, we can protect ourselves from the destructive consequences of greed and find true happiness and fulfillment in this life and the Hereafter.

May Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) guide us all to the path of righteousness and protect us from the pitfalls of greed. May we strive to emulate the teachings of Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) and seek contentment and satisfaction in the blessings bestowed upon us by Allah. Ameen.