Hadith #2234

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,

وَيْحَ الحَسَدِ ما أعْدَلَهُ، بَدَأ بِصاحِبِهِ فَقَتَلَهُ۔

This Hadith highlights the destructive nature of jealousy and its ability to harm not only others but also the one who harbors it. Jealousy is described as fair or just, meaning that it appears to be justified or reasonable to the one experiencing it. However, it ultimately leads to the destruction of the one who possesses it.

To understand the deeper meaning of this Hadith, let us turn to the Quran for guidance. In Surah Al-Baqarah, Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) warns us about the consequences of envy and jealousy. Allah says in verse 105:

Neither those who disbelieve from the People of the Scripture nor the polytheists wish that any good should be sent down to you from your Lord. But Allah selects for His mercy whom He wills, and Allah is the possessor of great bounty.

This verse reminds us that jealousy often stems from a sense of entitlement and a desire to possess what others have. However, Allah, in His infinite wisdom, bestows His blessings upon whomever He chooses. Jealousy blinds us to the fact that Allah's mercy and blessings are not limited, and He distributes them according to His divine plan.

Another verse that sheds light on the destructive nature of jealousy is found in Surah Al-Qasas, verse 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 tells the story of Qarun, who was blessed with immense wealth and possessions. However, instead of being grateful and using his wealth for the benefit of others, he became arrogant and oppressive. His jealousy and desire for more led to his downfall, as Allah punished him for his arrogance and misuse of blessings.

Now, let us reflect on the beautiful message of Imam Ali's (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) Hadith. Jealousy is a destructive emotion that begins with harboring ill feelings towards others. It may start with a sense of resentment or envy towards someone's success, possessions, or blessings. However, if left unchecked, it can escalate to the point of causing harm or even death to the one who is the object of jealousy.

Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) warns us about the dangers of jealousy, emphasizing that it not only harms others but also destroys the one who possesses it. Jealousy consumes a person's heart and soul, leading them to commit acts of injustice and oppression. It blinds them to the blessings they themselves have been bestowed with and prevents them from appreciating the unique gifts and talents of others.

As Muslims, we are encouraged to cultivate gratitude and contentment in our hearts. We should strive to celebrate the success and blessings of others, rather than feeling envious or resentful. The Quran teaches us that Allah's blessings are abundant and He bestows them upon His creation according to His divine wisdom. Therefore, we should trust in Allah's plan and focus on improving ourselves rather than being consumed by jealousy.

In conclusion, the Hadith of Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) serves as a powerful reminder of the destructive nature of jealousy. It urges us to reflect on our own hearts and strive to eliminate any feelings of envy or resentment towards others. By doing so, we can cultivate a sense of gratitude, contentment, and love for our fellow Muslims. May Allah protect us from the evils of jealousy and guide us on the path of righteousness.