Hadith #2240

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 Hadith of Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) states, "الحسود أبداً عليل" which translates to

The jealous person is always ill.

This concise statement holds profound wisdom and provides us with valuable insights into the nature and consequences of jealousy.

To understand the significance of this Hadith, let us first delve into the meaning of the key words used. "الحسود" refers to the person who is consumed by jealousy, harboring feelings of envy and resentment towards others. This individual is unable to find contentment in their own blessings and becomes preoccupied with the achievements and possessions of others. "عليل" means ill or sick, indicating that jealousy is a spiritual ailment that afflicts the heart and soul of the jealous person.

The Quran provides us with numerous verses that shed light on the destructive nature of jealousy and its detrimental effects on an individual's spiritual well-being. Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) warns us in Surah Al-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 the futility of jealousy, reminding us that all blessings come from Allah and are distributed according to His divine wisdom.

Jealousy not only harms the jealous person but also damages relationships and communities. Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) cautions us in Surah Al-Hujurat (49:12),

O you who have believed, avoid much [negative] assumption. Indeed, some assumption is sin. And do not spy or backbite each other. Would one of you like to eat the flesh of his brother when dead? You would detest it. And fear Allah; indeed, Allah is Accepting of repentance and Merciful.

This verse emphasizes the importance of avoiding negative assumptions and backbiting, which often stem from jealousy. Such actions not only harm others but also corrode the spiritual well-being of the jealous person.

The Hadith of Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) serves as a powerful reminder for Muslims to guard against the destructive emotion of jealousy. Jealousy not only erodes our own spiritual health but also hinders our ability to appreciate and be grateful for the blessings bestowed upon us by Allah. It breeds negativity, discontentment, and ill feelings towards others, leading to a toxic and unhealthy mindset.

Furthermore, the Hadith encourages self-reflection and introspection. It prompts us to examine our own hearts and identify any traces of jealousy that may be lurking within. By acknowledging and addressing our own shortcomings, we can strive towards purifying our hearts and cultivating positive qualities such as contentment, gratitude, and genuine happiness for the success and blessings of others.

In conclusion, the Hadith of Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) serves as a profound reminder for Muslims to guard against the destructive emotion of jealousy. It highlights the spiritual ailment that jealousy represents and warns of its detrimental effects on both the individual and the community. By reflecting on the teachings of the Quran and the guidance of the Ahl al-Bayt, we can strive to purify our hearts, cultivate positive qualities, and attain true spiritual well-being. May Allah protect us from the harms of jealousy and grant us the ability to appreciate and be content with the blessings He has bestowed upon us.