Hadith #1901

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 purified progeny, and his noble companions.

The Hadith of Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) states:

The outcome of ignorance is loss; and the joy of the envious does not last.

This profound statement by Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) highlights the consequences of ignorance and envy, and the importance of seeking knowledge and avoiding jealousy.

Let us delve deeper into the words of this Hadith. The Arabic word (uqba) "عُقْبَى" refers to the outcome or consequence of something. It signifies the end result or the final outcome of a particular action or state. The word (jahil) "جَهْل" means ignorance, which refers to the lack of knowledge or understanding about a certain matter. The term (madarra) "مَضَرَّةٌ" means loss or harm, indicating the negative consequences that arise from ignorance.

Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) emphasizes that the outcome of ignorance is loss. This is a fundamental principle in Islam, as Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) repeatedly emphasizes the importance of seeking knowledge and understanding. In Surah Al-Zumar, Allah says, (Quran 47:19)

So know, [O Muhammad], that there is no deity except Allah and ask forgiveness for your sin and for the believing men and believing women. And Allah knows of your movement and your resting place

This verse highlights the significance of knowledge and understanding in recognizing the oneness of Allah and seeking forgiveness.

Furthermore, in Surah Al-Hujurat, Allah states, (Quran 49:6)

O you who have believed, if there comes to you a disobedient one with information, investigate, lest you harm a people out of ignorance and become, over what you have done, regretful

This verse emphasizes the importance of verifying information and not acting upon it blindly, as ignorance can lead to harming others and subsequent regret.

The second part of the Hadith states,

and the joy of the envious does not last.

Here, the Arabic word (hasud) "حَسُود" refers to envy or jealousy. Envy is a destructive emotion that arises when one desires what others possess and wishes for their blessings to be taken away. Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) highlights that the joy experienced by the envious is short-lived and fleeting.

In the Quran, Allah warns against envy and its detrimental effects. In Surah Al-Nisa, Allah says, (Quran 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 reminds Muslims that envy is futile, as Allah has bestowed His blessings upon individuals according to His divine wisdom.

Envy not only harms the one who harbors it but also creates a toxic atmosphere within communities. It leads to resentment, animosity, and the breakdown of relationships. Therefore, Muslims are encouraged to cultivate gratitude and contentment, appreciating the blessings bestowed upon others without feeling envious.

Imam Ali's (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) impactful Hadith serves as a reminder for Muslims to seek knowledge and understanding, avoiding ignorance and its negative consequences. It also urges individuals to guard against envy, recognizing that true joy and contentment lie in appreciating the blessings of others rather than desiring their downfall.

May Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) grant us the wisdom to seek knowledge, protect us from the perils of ignorance, and purify our hearts from envy. Ameen.