Greed, known in Arabic as al-hirs (الحِرص), is a destructive spiritual disease that the Prophet Muhammad (pbuh) frequently warned against. It is an insatiable desire for more—more wealth, more status, more of this world’s fleeting pleasures—which leads to anxiety, ingratitude, and a neglect of one’s spiritual duties. The following hadiths provide profound insights into the nature of greed and its cure.

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Hadith 1: The Nature of Human Greed

عَنْ أَنَسِ بْنِ مَالِكٍ قَالَ قَالَ رَسُولُ اللَّهِ صَلَّى اللَّهُ عَلَيْهِ وَسَلَّمَ لَوْ كَانَ لِابْنِ آدَمَ وَادِيَانِ مِنْ مَالٍ لَابْتَغَى ثَالِثًا وَلَا يَمْلَأُ جَوْفَ ابْنِ آدَمَ إِلَّا التُّرَابُ وَيَتُوبُ اللَّهُ عَلَى مَنْ تَابَ

Translation: On the authority of Anas ibn Malik (may Allah be pleased with him), who said: The Messenger of Allah (pbuh) said, “If the son of Adam were to have two valleys full of wealth, he would wish for a third. Nothing can fill the belly of the son of Adam except dust, and Allah forgives those who repent.” (Sahih al-Bukhari)

Commentary:

This is one of the most famous hadiths describing the innate greed of human beings. The metaphor of the “two valleys” powerfully illustrates that the desire for accumulation is often limitless, not based on actual need. Even when one possesses immense wealth, the heart continues to crave more, creating a spiritual void.

The key phrase is, “Nothing can fill the belly of the son of Adam except dust.” This has two profound meanings:

1. Literal Reminder of Mortality: It is a stark reminder of death. No matter how much wealth one amasses, the ultimate end is the grave, where the body turns to dust. This serves as a powerful check against worldly attachment, urging believers to focus on deeds that will benefit them in the afterlife.
2. The Spiritual Vacuum: It signifies that the inner void and restlessness a person feels cannot be filled by material possessions. True contentment (qana’ah) comes only through faith, remembrance of Allah, and being pleased with what Allah has decreed.

The hadith ends with a message of hope: “And Allah forgives those who repent.” This indicates that recognizing one’s greed and turning back to Allah is the first step toward healing.

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Hadith 2: The Cure for Greed: Contentment

عَنْ عَبْدِ اللَّهِ بْنِ عَمْرِو بْنِ الْعَاصِ أَنَّ رَسُولَ اللَّهِ صَلَّى اللَّهُ عَلَيْهِ وَسَلَّمَ قَالَ قَدْ أَفْلَحَ مَنْ أَسْلَمَ وَرُزِقَ كَفَافًا وَقَنَّعَهُ اللَّهُ بِمَا آتَاهُ

Translation: On the authority of Abdullah ibn Amr ibn al-As (may Allah be pleased with him) that the Messenger of Allah (pbuh) said, “He has succeeded who has accepted Islam, and has been provided with sufficient provisions, and Allah has made him content with what He has given him.” (Sahih Muslim)

Commentary:

This hadith provides the antidote to greed: contentment (qana’ah). True success (al-falah), which means salvation and happiness in this life and the next, is not defined by the abundance of wealth but by three conditions:

1. Accepting Islam: Having the correct faith and connection with the Creator.
2. Having Sufficient Provisions: This is crucial. It is not poverty, but having enough to meet one’s legitimate needs without excess. It encourages a middle path, free from both deprivation and greed.
3. Being Content with What One Has: This is the internal state that defeats greed. Contentment is a blessing from Allah that allows the heart to be at peace, appreciating blessings rather than constantly focusing on what is lacking.

This hadith redefines success. It teaches that a person with a simple home and a content heart is far more successful than a wealthy person whose heart is tormented by insatiable greed.

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Hadith 3: Greed for the World vs. Love for the Hereafter

عَنْ أَبِي هُرَيْرَةَ قَالَ قَالَ رَسُولُ اللَّهِ صَلَّى اللَّهُ عَلَيْهِ وَسَلَّمَ إِنَّ الدُّنْيَا حُلْوَةٌ خَضِرَةٌ وَإِنَّ اللَّهَ مُسْتَخْلِفُكُمْ فِيهَا فَيَنْظُرُ كَيْفَ تَعْمَلُونَ فَاتَّقُوا الدُّنْيَا وَاتَّقُوا النِّسَاءَ فَإِنَّ أَوَّلَ فِتْنَةِ بَنِي إِسْرَائِيلَ كَانَتْ فِي النِّسَاءِ

Translation: On the authority of Abu Hurairah (may Allah be pleased with him), who said: The Messenger of Allah (pbuh) said, “The world is sweet and green (alluring), and indeed Allah is making you successors in it to see how you will act. So beware of this world and beware of women, for indeed the first trial of the Children of Israel was concerning women.” (Sahih Muslim)

Commentary:

This hadith does not condemn the world itself, but rather the uncontrolled greed for it. The world is described as “sweet and green”—it is attractive and offers many permissible enjoyments. However, this very attractiveness is the test.

The phrase “Allah is making you successors in it” means that wealth and resources are a trust (amanah) from Allah. We are merely custodians, and we will be held accountable for how we acquired and spent them. Greed makes a person forget this accountability, leading them to hoard wealth, earn it unlawfully, or spend it in sinful ways.

The warning is to be cautious (ittaqoo)—to have a healthy fear of letting the love of this world dominate the heart and override the love for Allah and the Hereafter. The example of the trial of women is given as a parallel, illustrating how something inherently good can become a source of great misguidance if not approached with piety and balance.

Summary of Lessons:

1. Greed is a Human Frailty: It is a natural inclination that must be consciously controlled through faith and self-discipline.
2. Greed is Insatiable: Material possessions can never truly satisfy the human soul. The only true fulfillment comes from spiritual connection.
3. Contentment is the Antidote: Success lies not in having everything you want, but in wanting and appreciating everything you have by the decree of Allah.
4. Life is a Test: The allure of the world is a test of our priorities. Will we choose the temporary over the eternal?
5. Accountability is Key: Remembering that we will be answerable to Allah for our wealth helps to curb greed and encourages responsible, generous, and lawful conduct.

The teachings of the Prophet Muhammad (pbuh) guide believers toward a balanced life, where one works hard and enjoys the lawful bounties of Allah, but with a heart that is attached to the Giver, not the gift, and is always prepared for the final return.