Hadith #202

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,

حَسَدُ الصَّدِيقِ مِنْ سُقْمِ الْمَوَدَّةِ۔

This can be translated as,

Jealousy by a friend means defect in his love.

Let us delve into the deeper meaning of this beautiful saying in light of the Quran.

The word (hasad) "حَسَدُ" refers to the feeling of envy or jealousy towards someone's blessings, qualities, or achievements. It is a negative emotion that arises when one desires to possess what others have been blessed with. Jealousy can lead to harmful actions, such as backbiting, slander, or even attempting to harm the person one is jealous of.

The word (as-sadiq) "الصَّدِيقِ" refers to a friend or companion. In this context, it signifies a close and trusted individual with whom one shares a bond of friendship and love. A true friend is someone who is genuinely happy for the success and blessings of others, without feeling any envy or jealousy.

The word (suqim) "سُقْمِ" means defect or flaw. It implies that jealousy within a friendship indicates a deficiency or weakness in the love that should exist between friends. When a friend becomes jealous of another's blessings, it indicates a lack of sincerity, trust, and genuine love.

To understand the significance of this Hadith, let us turn to the Quran for guidance. In Surah Al-Hujurat (49:12), Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) says,

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, spying, and backbiting among believers. Jealousy often leads to these negative behaviors, as one starts to view their friend's success with suspicion and ill intentions. Allah reminds us that such actions are akin to consuming the flesh of our own brothers, which we would find repulsive. Instead, we are urged to fear Allah and seek His forgiveness.

Furthermore, in Surah Al-Ma'idah (5:2), Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) says,

And cooperate in righteousness and piety, but do not cooperate in sin and aggression. And fear Allah; indeed, Allah is severe in penalty.

This verse highlights the importance of cooperation in matters of righteousness and piety, while abstaining from sin and aggression. Jealousy within a friendship goes against the spirit of cooperation and unity. It creates division and animosity, leading to sin and aggression. Allah reminds us to fear Him and avoid such destructive behaviors.

Reflecting on the Hadith of Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) and the supporting Quranic verses, we understand that jealousy within a friendship is a sign of a deficiency in love and sincerity. A true friend should rejoice in the blessings and successes of others, without harboring envy or ill will. Jealousy only serves to weaken the bond of friendship and can lead to harmful actions.

As Muslims, we are reminded to cultivate genuine love, trust, and sincerity in our friendships. We should strive to support and uplift one another, celebrating each other's achievements and blessings. By doing so, we strengthen the bonds of brotherhood and sisterhood within the Muslim community, creating an environment of love, unity, and mutual respect.

May Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) guide us to be true friends to one another, free from jealousy and full of love and sincerity. May He bless us with the ability to celebrate the successes and blessings of others, and may He grant us His forgiveness and mercy.