Hadith #2261

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 progeny, and his noble companions.

The Hadith of Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) highlights the behavior of a jealous person. It states that such an individual may outwardly express affection and love through their words, while concealing their true feelings of hatred and animosity in their actions. This contradictory behavior earns them the title of a friend, as they may appear to be supportive and caring, but in reality, they possess the attributes of an enemy.

To understand the profound wisdom behind this Hadith, let us delve into the meanings of some key words. The term (hasid) "حاسِدُ" refers to a person who harbors jealousy and envy towards others. This jealousy stems from a discontentment with the blessings and favors bestowed upon others by Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ). The word (yudhiru) "يُظْهِرُ" means to display or manifest, while (wuddahu) "وُدَّهُ" signifies affection or love. On the other hand, (yukhfi) "يُخْفِي" means to hide or conceal, and (bughdahu) "بُغْضَهُ" refers to hatred or animosity.

The teachings of the Quran provide us with a deeper understanding of this Hadith. Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) warns against jealousy and envy in numerous verses. In Surah Al-Nisa, verse 54, Allah says,

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, as Allah has already bestowed His blessings upon individuals according to His divine wisdom.

Furthermore, in Surah Al-Hujurat, verse 12, Allah instructs the believers,

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 sincerity and honesty in our interactions with others. It cautions against assuming negative intentions and encourages us to refrain from backbiting or spreading rumors, which are traits often associated with jealousy.

The Hadith of Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) sheds light on the deceptive nature of jealousy. A jealous person may pretend to be a friend and express affectionate words, but their true feelings of hatred and envy are concealed in their actions. This behavior is contradictory and hypocritical, as it undermines the trust and sincerity that should exist in genuine friendships.

The consequences of such behavior are far-reaching. Firstly, the jealous person fails to develop genuine relationships based on trust and sincerity. Their hidden animosity prevents them from truly connecting with others and experiencing the joy of genuine friendship. Secondly, their contradictory behavior can lead to confusion and mistrust among those who interact with them. People may be deceived by their outward display of affection, only to later discover their true intentions. This can cause emotional harm and strain relationships.

Reflecting on this Hadith, Muslims are reminded of the importance of sincerity and honesty in their interactions with others. We are encouraged to purify our hearts from jealousy and envy, and to strive for genuine love and affection towards our fellow believers. The Quranic teachings guide us to appreciate the blessings bestowed upon others by Allah, and to avoid negative assumptions and backbiting. By embodying these principles, we can cultivate true friendships and contribute to a harmonious and supportive community.

May Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) protect us from the destructive traits of jealousy and grant us the ability to develop sincere and genuine relationships based on love and compassion. Ameen.