Hadith #683

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,

حَسَدُ الصَّديقِ مِنْ سُقْمِ المَوَدَّةِ۔

This can be translated as,

The jealousy of a friend is an ailment of [his] friendship.

In this impactful saying , Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) highlights the negative impact of jealousy on the bond of friendship.

To understand the deeper meaning of this Hadith, let us first explore the key words used. The term (hasad) "حَسَدُ" refers to jealousy or envy, which arises when one desires what another person possesses and wishes for it to be taken away from them. (as-sadiq) "الصَّديقِ" means a friend, someone with whom we share a close and sincere bond. (suqum) "سُقْمِ" can be translated as an ailment or illness, indicating the negative consequences of jealousy. Finally, (al-mawaddah) "المَوَدَّةِ" refers to friendship, love, and affection.

To shed light on the importance of avoiding jealousy in friendships, we can turn to the Quran for guidance. Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) warns us against envy and its destructive nature in several 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 reminds us that envy stems from a lack of gratitude for the blessings bestowed upon others by Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ).

Furthermore, in Surah Al-Hujurat, verse 12, Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) warns against suspicion and backbiting, which are often fueled by jealousy. The verse states,

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 maintaining trust and refraining from harmful actions that can damage friendships.

Now, let us delve into the profound wisdom behind Imam Ali's (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) statement. Jealousy is a destructive emotion that can poison the bonds of friendship. When one feels jealous of their friend's success, possessions, or blessings, it creates a rift in the relationship. Instead of rejoicing in their friend's achievements, the jealous individual harbors negative feelings and may even wish for their friend's downfall.

This jealousy not only damages the friendship but also affects the jealous person themselves. It becomes an ailment that eats away at their own happiness and contentment. They are unable to appreciate the blessings in their own lives and are consumed by negative thoughts and emotions. Jealousy prevents them from experiencing true joy and fulfillment.

Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ), known for his profound wisdom and knowledge, highlights the importance of cultivating sincere love and affection in friendships. True friendship is based on mutual support, trust, and genuine happiness for one another. When jealousy enters the equation, it disrupts the harmony and purity of the friendship.

Reflecting on this Hadith, we are reminded of the importance of purifying our hearts from jealousy and nurturing positive emotions towards our friends. We should strive to celebrate their successes, be genuinely happy for them, and support them in their endeavors. By doing so, we not only strengthen our friendships but also cultivate a sense of inner peace and contentment.

In conclusion, the Hadith of Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) serves as a powerful reminder for Muslims to avoid jealousy in their friendships. It highlights the negative consequences of jealousy and emphasizes the importance of cultivating sincere love and affection towards our friends. By following this guidance, we can foster strong and harmonious relationships, and experience true happiness and contentment in our lives. May Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) grant us the wisdom and strength to overcome jealousy and nurture genuine friendships.