Hadith #239

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

The Arabic Hadith of Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) states,

صِحَّةُ الْجَسَدِ مِنْ قِلَّةِ الْحَسَدِ۔

This can be translated as,

Health of body comes from paucity of envy.

Let us delve into the profound wisdom contained within this statement by Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ). The word (sihhatu) "صِحَّةُ" refers to physical health and well-being. It encompasses the overall state of the body, including its strength, vitality, and freedom from illness. The word (jasad) "جَسَدِ" refers to the physical body itself. And the word (qillati) "قِلَّةِ" means scarcity or paucity. Finally, the word (hasad) "حَسَدِ" refers to envy or jealousy.

Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) is teaching us that the health of our physical bodies is directly related to the scarcity of envy within us. Envy is a destructive emotion that eats away at our well-being, both spiritually and physically. When we harbor envy towards others, it consumes us from within, leading to stress, anxiety, and even physical ailments.

The Quran provides us with several verses that support this profound wisdom of Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ). In Surah Al-Qasas, Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) says, (Quran 20:131)

And do not extend your eyes toward that by which We have given enjoyment to [some] categories of them, [its being but] the splendor of worldly life by which We test them. And the provision of your Lord is better and more enduring.

This verse reminds us not to envy the material possessions or blessings that others may have. We should not allow our eyes to be filled with longing for what others possess, as it can lead to discontentment and a lack of gratitude for the blessings bestowed upon us by Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ). Envy can lead to a constant state of comparison and dissatisfaction, which in turn affects our mental and physical well-being.

Furthermore, in Surah Al-Falaq, Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) says, (Quran 113:5)

And from the evil of an envier when he envies.

This verse highlights the negative consequences of envy. Envy is not only harmful to the one who harbors it, but it can also lead to harm being inflicted upon others. It creates a toxic atmosphere of competition, animosity, and ill-will, which can have detrimental effects on our relationships and overall health.

Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) is urging us to cultivate contentment, gratitude, and a sense of self-worth that is not dependent on what others possess. When we free ourselves from the shackles of envy, we open the doors to inner peace, tranquility, and a healthier physical state. By focusing on our own blessings and striving to improve ourselves, we can lead a more fulfilling and healthier life.

Let us reflect upon the words of Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) and strive to purify our hearts from envy. May Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) grant us the strength to overcome this destructive emotion and bless us with good health, both physically and spiritually.