Hadith #2244

In the name of Allah, the Most Gracious, the Most Merciful. Praise be to Allah, the Lord of all worlds. Blessings and peace be upon our beloved Prophet Muhammad (ﷺ), his pure progeny, and his noble companions.

In this profound Hadith of Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ), he highlights the detrimental effects of jealousy. The word used for jealousy in Arabic is (al-hasood) "الحسود", which refers to someone who feels resentment or envy towards others. This person is constantly comparing themselves to others and harboring ill feelings towards those who possess what they desire.

Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) describes the state of the jealous person by saying, (katheeru al-hasarat) "كَثيرُ الحَسَراتِ", which means "many regrets." This indicates that the jealous person is filled with remorse and sorrow due to their inability to attain what others have. Their constant comparison and envy lead to a state of perpetual dissatisfaction and unhappiness.

Furthermore, Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) states, (mutadhaa'ifu al-sayyi'at) "مُتَضاعِفُ السَّيِّئاتِ", which means

his sins are multiplied.

This highlights the spiritual consequences of jealousy. The jealous person not only suffers from emotional distress but also falls into the trap of committing more sins. Their envy can lead them to engage in backbiting, slander, and even harmful actions towards others, all of which are sinful in Islam.

To further understand the gravity of this issue, let us 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 for the blessings bestowed upon others by Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ). It is a rejection of His divine decree and a failure to recognize His wisdom in distributing His bounties.

Additionally, in Surah Al-Hadid, verse 20, Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) warns against envy by saying,

Know that the life of this world is but amusement and diversion and adornment and boasting to one another and competition in increase of wealth and children - like the example of a rain whose [resulting] plant growth pleases the tillers; then it dries and you see it turned yellow; then it becomes [scattered] debris. And in the Hereafter is severe punishment and forgiveness from Allah and approval. And what is the worldly life except the enjoyment of delusion.

This verse reminds us that the material possessions and worldly achievements that we may envy are temporary and fleeting. They hold no real value in the grand scheme of things. Instead, our focus should be on seeking forgiveness from Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) and striving for His approval in the Hereafter.

Reflecting on the Hadith of Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) and the Quranic verses, we realize that jealousy is a destructive emotion that not only harms our own spiritual well-being but also damages our relationships with others. It is a manifestation of ingratitude and a lack of trust in Allah's divine plan. As Muslims, we should strive to cultivate contentment, gratitude, and trust in Allah's wisdom. We should celebrate the successes and blessings of others, rather than allowing envy to consume us. By doing so, we can attain inner peace and strengthen the bonds of brotherhood and sisterhood within the Muslim community. May Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) protect us from the destructive effects of jealousy and guide us towards a path of righteousness.