Hadith #2232

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 provided Hadith of Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) states,

Jealousy is not from the characteristics of the God-wary.

In this Hadith, the word (hasad) "حَسَدُ" refers to jealousy. Jealousy is the feeling of resentment or discontentment towards someone's possessions, qualities, or achievements, accompanied by a desire to possess or achieve the same. The word (khuluq) "خُلُقِ" refers to characteristics or traits, and (al-atqiya) "الأتْقِياءِ" refers to the God-wary or the pious individuals who fear Allah and strive to follow His commands.

To understand the meaning of this Hadith, let us turn to the Quran for guidance. Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) says in Surah Al-Hashr (59:9):

And those who came after them say: 'Our Lord, forgive us and our brothers who preceded us in faith and put not in our hearts [any] resentment toward those who have believed. Our Lord, indeed You are Kind and Merciful.'

This verse emphasizes the importance of avoiding resentment and jealousy towards fellow believers. The God-wary individuals, as mentioned in the Hadith, are those who strive to purify their hearts from negative emotions and cultivate love and brotherhood among the believers. They understand that jealousy is detrimental to their spiritual growth and hinders the unity of the Muslim community.

Furthermore, Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) warns against the destructive nature of jealousy in Surah An-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 highlights that jealousy stems from a lack of gratitude and contentment with the blessings bestowed upon others by Allah. The God-wary individuals recognize that every person has been granted different provisions and blessings by Allah, and they are content with their own portion. They do not allow jealousy to cloud their hearts and disrupt their relationship with Allah and His creation.

Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ), known for his immense knowledge and wisdom, reminds us in this Hadith that jealousy is not a characteristic of those who truly fear Allah. The God-wary individuals focus on self-improvement, seeking closeness to Allah, and benefiting others rather than being consumed by envy. They understand that jealousy is a destructive emotion that leads to negative consequences both in this world and the hereafter.

Jealousy can lead to harmful actions, such as backbiting, slander, and even plotting against others. It creates a toxic environment of competition and animosity, eroding the bonds of brotherhood and sisterhood within the Muslim community. Moreover, jealousy breeds discontentment and ingratitude, preventing individuals from appreciating the blessings bestowed upon them by Allah.

In contrast, the God-wary individuals strive to develop positive qualities such as gratitude, contentment, and sincere happiness for the success and blessings of others. They understand that true success lies in pleasing Allah and fulfilling their responsibilities towards Him and His creation. They find inspiration in the achievements of others and use them as motivation to improve themselves, rather than feeling resentful or envious.

In conclusion, the Hadith of Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) teaches us that jealousy is not a characteristic of the God-wary individuals. It is a negative emotion that hinders our spiritual growth, damages our relationships, and distances us from Allah. The God-wary individuals strive to purify their hearts from jealousy and cultivate positive qualities that bring them closer to Allah and strengthen the bonds of brotherhood and sisterhood within the Muslim community. May Allah guide us all to be among the God-wary and protect us from the destructive effects of jealousy.