Hadith #2132

In the name of Allah, the Most Gracious, the Most Merciful. All praise is due 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.

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

لايَجْمَعُ المالَ إلاّ الحِرْصُ، وَالحَريصُ شَقِيٌّ مَذْمُومٌ۔

This Hadith is a enlightening Hadith that highlights the negative consequences of greed and the detrimental effects it has on an individual's spiritual and worldly well-being.

Let us delve into the important words of this Hadith to gain a deeper understanding. The word (al-maal) "المال" refers to wealth or possessions. It encompasses material possessions, money, and any form of worldly assets. The word (al-hirsu) "الحِرْصُ" translates to greed or avarice. It signifies an intense desire to accumulate wealth and possessions, often at the expense of others. The word (shaqiyyun) "شَقِيٌّ" means wretched or miserable, while (madhmoon) "مَذْمُومٌ" means dispraised or condemned.

To further comprehend the wisdom behind this Hadith, we can turn to the Quran for guidance. Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) warns against the destructive nature of greed in several verses. In Surah Al-Imran, Allah says, (Quran 3:14)

You are eager for wealth, even to the extent of consuming the inheritance of others wrongfully, and you love wealth ardently

This verse highlights the negative consequences of greed, as it leads individuals to unjustly acquire the wealth of others, causing harm and injustice in society.

In another verse, Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) warns against the love of wealth and its detrimental effects on one's spiritual well-being. Allah says, (Quran 102:1-3)

You are obsessed by greed for more and more until you go down to your graves. No indeed! You will soon know. No indeed! If only you knew with a certain knowledge, you will certainly see Hellfire!

This verse emphasizes that an insatiable desire for wealth blinds individuals to the reality of the Hereafter and leads them towards a path of destruction.

Imam Ali's (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) Hadith serves as a reminder for Muslims to be cautious of the dangers of greed. The accumulation of wealth driven solely by greed is not only detrimental to one's spiritual well-being but also leads to a miserable and condemned existence. Greed blinds individuals to the needs of others, fosters selfishness, and promotes injustice in society.

Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) possessed immense knowledge and wisdom, and his teachings were deeply rooted in the Quranic principles of justice, compassion, and selflessness. He exemplified these qualities throughout his life, and his words serve as a guiding light for Muslims to navigate the challenges of the materialistic world while upholding their spiritual values.

In conclusion, the Hadith of Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) warns against the destructive nature of greed and its adverse effects on both the individual and society. It reminds Muslims to prioritize spiritual well-being over material possessions and to strive for a balanced approach to wealth accumulation. By adhering to the teachings of the Quran and the guidance of the Ahl al-Bayt, Muslims can lead a fulfilling and righteous life, free from the shackles of greed and its detrimental consequences. May Allah (تَبَارَكَ وَتَعَالَىٰ) guide us all on the path of righteousness and protect us from the perils of greed.