Hadith #2208

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 righteous companions.

The Hadith of Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) warns us about the destructive nature of jealousy. The word used in the Hadith for jealousy is (الحسد) "al-hasad", which refers to the feeling of resentment or envy towards someone else's blessings, talents, or achievements. It is a negative emotion that can lead to harmful actions and thoughts.

Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) compares jealousy to fire, stating that it consumes good deeds just as fire devours firewood. This analogy highlights the destructive power of jealousy. Just as fire engulfs and destroys everything in its path, jealousy can consume and destroy the rewards of our good deeds.

The Quran provides us with several verses that emphasize the importance of avoiding jealousy and its detrimental effects. Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) says in Surah Al-Qasas (28:76):

Indeed, Qarun was from the people of Moses, but he tyrannized them. And We gave him of treasures whose keys would burden a band of strong men; thereupon his people said to him, 'Do not exult. Indeed, Allah does not like the exultant.'

This verse narrates the story of Qarun, who was blessed with immense wealth and possessions. However, instead of being grateful and using his blessings for the benefit of others, he became arrogant and boastful. His jealousy towards Prophet Musa (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) and his people led him to misuse his wealth and oppress others. As a result, he lost everything, and his good deeds were nullified by his jealousy and arrogance.

Another verse that sheds light on the destructive nature of jealousy is found in Surah Al-Falaq (113:5):

From the evil of an envier when he envies.

This verse highlights the harm that can be caused by an envious person. Their jealousy can lead them to harm others, spread rumors, or engage in malicious actions, all of which can destroy relationships and tarnish the good deeds of both the envier and the one being envied.

Reflecting on the Hadith of Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) and the Quranic verses, we understand that jealousy not only harms others but also harms the one who harbors it. Jealousy prevents us from appreciating and being grateful for our own blessings, as our focus becomes fixated on what others have. It leads to negative thoughts and actions, such as backbiting, slander, and ill-wishing, which are all condemned in Islam.

Furthermore, jealousy can hinder our spiritual growth and hinder our relationship with Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ). Instead of striving to improve ourselves and seek Allah's pleasure, we become preoccupied with comparing ourselves to others and feeling resentful towards their success. This distracts us from our own journey of self-improvement and can lead to a stagnant and unproductive spiritual state.

To combat jealousy, we should cultivate gratitude and contentment in our hearts. We should recognize that every blessing we have is a gift from Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) and that He has a unique plan for each of us. Instead of being envious of others, we should strive to emulate their positive qualities and seek inspiration from their achievements.

In conclusion, the Hadith of Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) serves as a powerful reminder for Muslims to guard against jealousy and its destructive consequences. By understanding the detrimental effects of jealousy and reflecting on the Quranic verses that warn against it, we can strive to purify our hearts from this negative emotion and focus on our own spiritual growth and development. May Allah protect us from the destructive nature of jealousy and grant us the ability to appreciate and celebrate the blessings of others.