Hadith #2243

In the name of Allah, the Most Gracious, the Most Merciful. All praise is due 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 Hadith of Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) states,

الحسود غضبان على القدر

which translates to

The jealous one is angry at destiny.

This impactful saying of Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) highlights the negative consequences of jealousy and its connection to one's perception of destiny.

Let us first explore the key words in this Hadith. "الحسود" refers to the one who harbors jealousy or envy towards others. Jealousy is a destructive emotion that arises when one desires what someone else possesses, whether it be material possessions, qualities, or blessings. "غضبان" means being angry or resentful, indicating the negative emotional state of the jealous person. Finally, "القدر" refers to destiny or fate, which encompasses the divine decree and the predetermined events in one's life.

To understand the deeper meaning of this Hadith, we can turn to the Quran for guidance. Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) warns us about 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? But we had already given the family of Abraham the Scripture and wisdom and conferred upon them a great kingdom.

This verse reminds us that jealousy stems from a lack of gratitude and contentment with the blessings bestowed upon others by Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ).

Furthermore, Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) emphasizes the importance of accepting destiny and being content with it in Surah Al-Hadid, verse 22-23:

No disaster strikes upon the earth or among yourselves except that it is in a register before We bring it into being - indeed that, for Allah, is easy - In order that you not despair over what has eluded you and not exult [in pride] over what He has given you. And Allah does not like everyone self-deluded and boastful.

Imam Ali's (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) statement highlights the harmful consequences of jealousy towards destiny. When a person is consumed by jealousy, they become resentful towards the blessings and successes of others. This resentment stems from a lack of acceptance and contentment with the divine decree. Instead of recognizing that everything is in the hands of Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ), the jealous person directs their anger towards destiny itself.

This Hadith serves as a reminder for Muslims to guard themselves against the destructive emotion of jealousy. Jealousy not only harms one's own spiritual well-being but also damages relationships and fosters negativity within society. Instead, we should focus on cultivating gratitude, contentment, and trust in Allah's (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) wisdom and decree.

Reflecting on this Hadith, we can see that jealousy is a manifestation of a lack of faith in Allah's (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) plan for us. It is a rejection of the belief that Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) knows what is best for His creation. When we understand that everything that happens to us is a part of Allah's (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) divine plan, we can find peace and contentment in every situation.

In conclusion, the Hadith of Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) teaches us about the destructive nature of jealousy and its connection to one's perception of destiny. It reminds us to be grateful for our own blessings and to trust in Allah's (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) wisdom and decree. By cultivating gratitude, contentment, and trust in Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ), we can protect ourselves from the negative consequences of jealousy and strive towards a more harmonious and fulfilling life as Muslims.