Hadith #2101

In the name of Allah, the Most Gracious, the Most Merciful. Praise be to Allah, the Lord of all the worlds. May peace and blessings be upon our beloved Prophet Muhammad (ﷺ), his pure progeny, and his noble companions.

In this profound Hadith, Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) highlights the detrimental effects of excessive greed. The Arabic word (hiras) "حِرْصِ" refers to an intense desire or craving for wealth, power, or material possessions. It is a state of being consumed by insatiable greed and a relentless pursuit of worldly gains.

Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) warns that such excessive greed leads to misery and humiliation for its possessor. It is important to note that this Hadith does not condemn the desire for a comfortable life or the pursuit of legitimate means of acquiring wealth. Rather, it emphasizes the dangers of an unchecked and insatiable greed that disregards ethical boundaries and moral values.

The Quran provides us with several verses that echo the message of this Hadith and shed light on its profound wisdom. Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) warns against the destructive consequences of excessive greed in Surah Al-Isra, verse 80:

And We made the son of Mary and his mother a sign and sheltered them within a high ground having level [areas] and flowing water. [ Allah said],

O messengers, eat from the good foods and work righteousness. Indeed, I, of what you do, am Knowing. And indeed this, your religion, is one religion, and I am your Lord, so fear Me.(Quran 23:50-53)

But the people divided their religion among them into sects - each faction, in what it has, rejoicing.

This verse reminds us that Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) has provided us with blessings and sustenance, and it is our duty to be grateful and use these provisions in a righteous manner. Excessive greed, on the other hand, leads to division and discord among people, as they become consumed by their individual desires and lose sight of the greater purpose of their existence.

Another verse that aligns with the message of this Hadith is found in Surah Al-Hashr, verse 9:

(Quran 59:9)

And [also for] those who were settled in al-Madinah and [adopted] the faith before them. They love those who emigrated to them and find not any want in their breasts of what the emigrants were given but give [them] preference over themselves, even though they are in privation. And whoever is protected from the stinginess of his soul - it is those who will be the successful.

This verse highlights the importance of selflessness and generosity, as the believers in Madinah welcomed and supported the emigrants from Makkah, even though they themselves were in need. It emphasizes the virtue of overcoming the stinginess of the soul and putting the needs of others before our own desires. This is in direct contrast to the destructive nature of excessive greed, which only seeks to accumulate more for oneself at the expense of others.

Imam Ali's (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) beautiful saying serves as a reminder for Muslims to reflect upon their own desires and intentions. It urges us to strive for a balanced approach in our pursuit of worldly gains, ensuring that our actions are guided by ethical principles and a genuine concern for the well-being of others.

Excessive greed not only leads to personal misery and humiliation, but it also disrupts the harmony and unity within society. By heeding the wisdom of this Hadith and aligning our desires with the teachings of the Quran, we can cultivate a sense of contentment, generosity, and compassion, which are essential qualities for a successful and fulfilling life as Muslims. May Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) protect us from the dangers of excessive greed and guide us towards a balanced and righteous path.