| Arabic Root | Definition | Explanation |
|---|---|---|
| طَمِعَ (ṭamiʿa) | To desire eagerly | The verb means to hope or crave eagerly for something. A person described as "ṭāmiʿ" is one who is greedy or overly desirous. |
| طماعة | Excessive greed | It denotes a state of being extremely greedy, frequently used when the desired object seems near or easy to obtain. |
📌 In classical usage, ṭamaʿ (طمع) often refers to hope or expectation—especially for things that are likely to be achieved or obtained.
| Scholar | Definition | Reference |
|---|---|---|
| Al-Rāghib al-Asfahānī | "The soul’s inclination toward something due to desire for it." | Al-Mufradāt fī Gharīb al-Qur’ān, p. 524 |
| Al-Manāwī | "A mental attachment to something without a prior cause or reason." | Al-Tawqīf ʿalā Muhimmāt al-Taʿārīf, p. 228 |
| Al-ʿAḍud al-Ījī | "Greed is a form of humiliation arising from covetousness, idleness, and ignorance of the Divine Wisdom." | Al-Tawqīf ʿalā Muhimmāt al-Taʿārīf, p. 228 |
🧠 These scholars collectively portray ṭamaʿ as a deep-rooted psychological trait that indicates dependence, lack of trust in divine wisdom, and detachment from moderation.
| Arabic Term | English Equivalent | Nuance |
|---|---|---|
| الحرص (ḥirṣ) | Covetousness | Intense desire to possess |
| الجشع (jashʿ) | Avarice | Greedy beyond need |
| الشَّرَه (sharah) | Voracity | Extreme and uncontrollable appetite |
| الرَّتع (ratʿ) | Indulgence | Overindulgence or gluttony |
⚠️ These terms highlight different shades of greed, from mere desire to excessive consumption and selfishness.