Hadith #2255

In the name of Allah, the Most Gracious, the Most Merciful. Praise be to Allah, the Lord of all worlds. May peace and blessings be upon our beloved Prophet Muhammad (ﷺ), his pure progeny, and his noble companions.

The provided Hadith of Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) highlights the destructive nature of jealousy. Jealousy is a negative emotion that arises when one desires what another person possesses, whether it be material possessions, talents, or blessings. Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) states that the jealous person is never satisfied or content with the success or blessings of the person they envy, except through their death or the loss of their blessings.

To understand the profound wisdom behind this Hadith, let us delve into the meanings of some key words. The word (hasood) "حَسُودُ" refers to a person who is consumed by jealousy and harbors ill feelings towards others due to their success or blessings. This person is unable to find contentment or happiness in their own life because they are constantly comparing themselves to others and resenting their achievements. The word (yahsuduhu) "يَحْسُدُهُ" means

whom he is jealous of,

indicating that the jealousy is directed towards a specific individual.

This Hadith resonates with the teachings of the Quran, which repeatedly warns against the destructive nature of jealousy and envy. Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) says in Surah Al-Nisa (4:54):

Or do they envy people for what Allah has given them of His bounty? But we had already given the family of Abraham the Scripture and wisdom and conferred upon them a great kingdom.

This verse reminds us that envy is futile as Allah has already bestowed His blessings upon whom He wills. Jealousy only leads to discontentment and distracts us from appreciating the blessings in our own lives.

Furthermore, in Surah Al-Hujurat (49:12), Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) advises us:

O you who have believed, avoid much [negative] assumption. Indeed, some assumption is sin. And do not spy or backbite each other. Would one of you like to eat the flesh of his brother when dead? You would detest it. And fear Allah; indeed, Allah is Accepting of repentance and Merciful.

This verse emphasizes the importance of avoiding negative assumptions and backbiting, which often stem from jealousy. Jealousy can lead to harmful actions such as spreading rumors or seeking to harm the person one is jealous of.

Imam Ali's (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) Hadith serves as a reminder for Muslims to reflect upon their own hearts and strive to eradicate jealousy from their lives. Jealousy not only harms the person who harbors it but also creates a toxic environment within communities. It breeds animosity and hinders the progress and unity of Muslims.

The consequences of jealousy can be seen throughout history. For example, the story of Prophet Yusuf (Joseph) in the Quran illustrates the destructive nature of jealousy. His brothers, out of envy for their father's love and Prophet Yusuf's prophethood, plotted to kill him. This jealousy led to a series of events that caused immense pain and suffering for Prophet Yusuf and his family.

Reflecting on Imam Ali's (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) Hadith, we are reminded of the importance of cultivating contentment and gratitude in our hearts. Instead of being consumed by envy, we should focus on our own personal growth and strive to develop our own unique talents and abilities. We should celebrate the successes and blessings of others, recognizing that their achievements do not diminish our own worth or potential.

In conclusion, the Hadith of Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) serves as a profound reminder for Muslims to guard against the destructive emotion of jealousy. By reflecting on the teachings of the Quran and the consequences of jealousy, we can strive to purify our hearts and foster a spirit of unity and support within our communities. Let us seek refuge in Allah from the destructive nature of jealousy and strive to cultivate contentment and gratitude in our lives. May Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) grant us the strength to overcome jealousy and bless us with hearts that are filled with love, compassion, and gratitude.