Hadith #2264

In the name of Allah, the Most Gracious, the Most Merciful. Praise be to Allah, the Lord of all the worlds. May 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,

كُلُّ ذي رُتْبَة سَنِيَّة مَحْسُودٌ۔

which translates to

Every person of high rank is envied.

This Hadith highlights a universal truth about human nature, that individuals who possess elevated status or hold positions of authority often become the subject of envy and jealousy.

To understand the deeper meaning of this Hadith, let us delve into the key words and their implications. The word (dhee) "ذي" refers to a person who possesses or holds something. (rutbah) "رُتْبَة" signifies a high rank or position, indicating authority, influence, or social standing. (saniyyah) "سَنِيَّة" denotes envy or jealousy, the feeling of discontent or resentment towards someone's success or blessings.

The Quran provides us with numerous verses that shed light on the concept of envy and its consequences. In Surah Al-Baqarah (2:109), Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) warns against envy and its destructive nature, stating,

Many of the People of the Scripture wish they could turn you back to disbelief after you have believed, out of envy from themselves [even] after the truth has become clear to them.

Envy can lead individuals to reject the truth and attempt to undermine the success and achievements of others.

Furthermore, in Surah Al-Falaq (113:5), Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) advises us to seek refuge from the evil of the envious person, stating,

From the evil of an envier when he envies.

This verse highlights the harmful nature of envy and the potential harm it can cause to both the envier and the one being envied.

Imam Ali's (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) Hadith serves as a reminder for Muslims to be cautious of envy and its detrimental effects. Envy can lead to animosity, backbiting, and even harm towards others. It is a destructive emotion that can consume individuals and hinder their own personal growth and happiness.

When individuals become envious of someone's high rank or success, they may resort to negative actions such as spreading rumors, undermining their achievements, or even attempting to bring them down. This not only harms the person being envied but also tarnishes the character of the envier.

Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ), known for his immense knowledge and wisdom, understood the dangers of envy. He emphasized the importance of cultivating contentment and gratitude for one's own blessings rather than harboring envy towards others. By focusing on self-improvement and personal growth, individuals can channel their energy towards positive endeavors and strive to attain their own success.

In conclusion, the Hadith of Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) serves as a profound reminder for Muslims to be aware of the destructive nature of envy. It urges us to cultivate contentment, gratitude, and a positive mindset, rather than being consumed by jealousy towards others. By doing so, we can foster a harmonious and supportive community where individuals uplift and inspire one another, rather than being driven by envy and resentment. May Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) protect us from the evil of envy and grant us the ability to appreciate and celebrate the success of others.