Hadith #2263

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 pure and noble Ahl al-Bayt, and his righteous companions.

The Hadith of Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) states,

Nothing cures the jealous one but cessation of the blessing.

This profound statement highlights the destructive nature of jealousy and its impact on an individual's well-being. To fully understand the depth of this Hadith, let us delve into the meanings of its key words.

The word (hasid) "حاسِد" refers to a person who harbors envy and jealousy towards others. Jealousy is a negative emotion that arises when one desires what another person possesses, whether it be material possessions, success, or blessings. It is a disease of the heart that can lead to harmful actions and a lack of contentment.

The word (yashfihi) "يَشْفِيهِ" means "cures" or "heals." It implies the removal or eradication of the jealousy within a person. Jealousy is like a sickness that eats away at one's soul, causing distress and dissatisfaction. The cure for this ailment lies in addressing the root causes and finding contentment within oneself.

The phrase (illa zawalun ni'mah) "إلاّ زَوالُ النِّعْمَةِ" translates to

but cessation of the blessing.

Here, the word (zawal) "زَوَال" refers to the cessation or disappearance of a blessing or favor. It signifies that the jealous person's envy can only be alleviated when the source of their jealousy is removed or no longer present.

To further understand the wisdom behind this Hadith, let us turn to the Quran for guidance. Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) warns against the destructive nature of jealousy in Surah Al-Nisa, verse 54:

Or do they envy people for what Allah has given them of His bounty?

This verse emphasizes that jealousy stems from a lack of gratitude and appreciation for the blessings bestowed upon others by Allah.

Moreover, in Surah Al-Falaq, Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) teaches us to seek refuge from the evil of the jealous person:

And from the evil of an envier when he envies.

This verse highlights the harmful consequences of jealousy and the need to protect ourselves from its negative effects.

Reflecting on the Hadith of Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ), we can understand that jealousy is a self-destructive emotion. It consumes the heart and prevents one from appreciating the blessings in their own life. Instead of being happy for others, the jealous person becomes consumed by resentment and bitterness.

The cure for jealousy lies in cultivating gratitude, contentment, and self-reflection. By acknowledging and appreciating the blessings in our own lives, we can overcome the negative emotions that arise from comparing ourselves to others. Additionally, we should strive to purify our hearts and seek forgiveness from Allah for any envy or jealousy we may feel.

In conclusion, the Hadith of Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) serves as a reminder for Muslims to guard against jealousy and its detrimental effects. It teaches us the importance of gratitude, contentment, and self-reflection in overcoming envy. May Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) protect us from the destructive nature of jealousy and grant us the ability to sincerely rejoice in the blessings of others.