Hadith #2082

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.

The Hadith of Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) states:

Greed and gluttony earn wretchedness and humiliation.

This impactful saying highlights the negative consequences of two destructive traits: greed and gluttony. Let us delve deeper into the meanings of these words and explore their implications in light of the Quran.

Firstly, let us examine the word "greed" or "al-hirs" in Arabic. Greed refers to an insatiable desire for wealth, possessions, or power. It is a characteristic that leads one to constantly crave more, without considering the consequences or the rights of others. The Quran warns against the destructive nature of greed in several verses. Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) says in Surah Al-Imran (3:180):

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 out of greed will face severe consequences on the Day of Judgment.

Similarly, the word "gluttony" or "ash-sharah" in Arabic refers to excessive indulgence in food and drink. It signifies a lack of self-control and moderation in fulfilling one's desires. The Quran cautions against such behavior in Surah Al-A'raf (7:31):

O children of Adam, take your adornment at every masjid, and eat and drink, but be not excessive. Indeed, He likes not those who commit excess.

This verse reminds us that Allah dislikes those who indulge in excess and lack self-restraint.

Imam Ali's (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) statement highlights the negative consequences of greed and gluttony. By engaging in these behaviors, individuals invite wretchedness and humiliation upon themselves. Let us reflect on the motivations behind greed and gluttony and their consequences.

Greed stems from a deep-rooted dissatisfaction with what one possesses. It blinds individuals to the blessings bestowed upon them by Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) and drives them to relentlessly pursue more. However, this insatiable desire for wealth and power only leads to misery and discontentment. The pursuit of material possessions becomes an endless cycle, leaving individuals perpetually dissatisfied and disconnected from the true purpose of life.

Similarly, gluttony arises from a lack of self-control and an inability to appreciate the blessings of moderation. Indulging excessively in food and drink not only harms one's physical health but also affects their spiritual well-being. It leads to a neglect of the soul and a preoccupation with worldly pleasures. As a result, individuals become enslaved to their desires, losing sight of their higher purpose and diminishing their self-worth.

The consequences of greed and gluttony extend beyond personal dissatisfaction. They have wider societal implications as well. Greed breeds inequality, as individuals hoard wealth and resources, depriving others of their rights and perpetuating social injustice. Gluttony, on the other hand, contributes to the wastage of resources, exacerbating issues such as hunger and poverty. Both traits undermine the principles of justice, compassion, and selflessness that Islam promotes.

In conclusion, Imam Ali's (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) Hadith serves as a powerful reminder for Muslims to avoid the destructive traits of greed and gluttony. By reflecting on the consequences of these behaviors, we can strive to cultivate contentment, gratitude, and self-control in our lives. Let us remember that true success lies not in accumulating wealth or indulging in excess, but in seeking the pleasure of Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) and serving humanity with humility and compassion. May Allah guide us all on the path of righteousness and protect us from the vices that lead to wretchedness and humiliation.