What One Gets from Greed
According to the Quran, greed is a negative characteristic that is considered a major impediment to the society’s salvation. God says in Verse 96 of Surah Al-Baqarah: “However, you will find them the greediest of all men, even more than the pagans, for life. They would each gladly live for a thousand years, but such a long life would not save them from the torment. God sees what they do.”
Greed is a characteristic that forces one to collect more than he needs. It is destructive and misleading. A greedy person is like one whose thirst is not quenched no matter how much water he drinks.
A greedy person is always suffering. His life is full of pain because he is never satisfied with what he has, even if the whole world is given to him. He always tries to have more, but he never enjoys what he has collected. And because life in this world is fleeting, everything he collects goes to his heirs, and he cannot take any of it with him to the next world.
Imam Ali (AS) says that greed is the source of eternal pain and suffering.
God says in Surah Al-Humaza: “Woe to every backbiter, slanderer, who collects and hordes wealth, thinking that his property will make him live forever.” (Verses 1-3)
Being greedy about worldly matters is destructive but greed is not bad in everything. God describes the Holy Prophet (PBUH) as being very eager to guide people.
This shows that one should be keen on guiding and reforming himself, the society and other people.
God says in Verse 128 of Surah At-Tawbah: “Indeed, there has come to you a Messenger from your own, he grieves for your suffering, and is anxious about you, and is gentle, merciful to the believers.”
