Avarice & Greed

[ummtaalib]

Avarice & Greed

 

Allah Ta’ala says: “Do not cast your eyes on those things which We bestowed as an enjoyment to different kinds of people.” (Suratul Hijr , verse 88)

 

Rasulullah Sallallahu Alayhi wa Sallam said: “Man becomes old, whilst two things increase: greed for wealth and greed for [longer] life.” (Bukhari)

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The nature of greed

 

The engrossment of the heart with wealth, etc. is known as hirs (greed). Greed is the root of all ailments. It is therefore correct to describe it as the mother of all maladies. This is because all disputes and strife are the consequences of greed. It is because of greed that court cases and counter court cases take place. If people did not have the greed for wealth, no one would trample the rights of others. Even the cause of immorality is due to the greed for pleasure.

 

It is the natural temperament of man that even if he possesses two valleys filled with wealth, wherein gold and silver are flowing like water, he will still desire a third. The more the demands of greed are satisfied, the greater will be its demands – like a person afflicted with a rash. The more he scratches, the worse the rash becomes.

 

Allah Ta’ala says: “Does man ever receive whatever he desires?” (Suratun Najm, verse 24)

 

In other words, it is not possible for man to fulfil all his desires. It is for this reason that the greedy person has no peace of mind. Nothing but the soil [grave] will satiate his greed. This is because before a wish can attain fulfilment, another develops. When he is not content with his portion (taqdeer), his heart desires that this should be fulfilled and that should be fulfilled, and so on. It is obvious that it is most difficult to fulfil all these desires and wishes. The result of non-fulfilment of a desire is frustration and worry. Although the greedy person may outwardly have children, wealth and everything else, his heart is perpetually afflicted with anxiety.

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Treatment

 

1. Reduce expenditure so that there is no anxiety to constantly earn more. Live within your means.

2. Do not concern yourself with the future and as to what would happen.

3. Bear in mind that the greedy and covetous person is always desirous and held in contempt.                   

4. Develop Contentment. Look at those who have less.

 

Moulana Maseehullaah Khan (Rahimahullah)

 

Jamiatul Ulama (KZN)
Council of Muslim Theologians