Hadith #2228

In the name of Allah, the Most Gracious, the Most Merciful. May peace and blessings be upon the Prophet Muhammad (ﷺ), his pure progeny, and his noble companions.

The Arabic Hadith of Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) states, "سِلاحُ اللُّؤْمِ اَلحَسَدُ۔" which translates to

The weapon of ignobility is jealousy.

This wise utterance of Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) highlights the destructive nature of jealousy and its detrimental effects on an individual's character and relationships.

To better understand the significance of this Hadith, let us delve into the meanings of the key words. The word (silah) "سِلاحُ" refers to a weapon or a tool used for combat. It symbolizes the power and potential harm that jealousy possesses. The term (lu'm) "اللُّؤْمِ" refers to ignobility, disgrace, or meanness. It represents the negative qualities that jealousy brings forth in an individual's character. And finally, (al-hasad) "الحَسَدُ" translates to jealousy, which is an intense feeling of resentment or envy towards someone's possessions, qualities, or achievements.

The Quran provides us with several verses that shed light on the destructive nature of jealousy and its consequences. Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) warns us against the evils 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 arises from a lack of gratitude and contentment with the blessings bestowed upon others by Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ).

Furthermore, in Surah Al-Hujurat, verse 12, Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) warns against the harmful consequences of jealousy:

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 are often fueled by jealousy. It compares the act of backbiting to consuming the flesh of a deceased brother, highlighting the repulsiveness and immorality of such behavior.

Imam Ali's (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) statement serves as a reminder to Muslims of the dangers of allowing jealousy to take root in their hearts. Jealousy not only tarnishes one's character but also leads to harmful actions and strained relationships. When an individual is consumed by jealousy, they are unable to appreciate the blessings and successes of others, leading to a toxic and negative mindset.

Jealousy can manifest in various ways, such as spreading rumors, belittling others, or even actively working to undermine their success. These actions not only harm the person being targeted but also reflect poorly on the individual harboring jealousy. It creates a cycle of negativity and animosity, hindering personal growth and fostering a hostile environment within the community.

Imam Ali's (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) thought-provoking saying serves as a call to self-reflection for Muslims. It urges us to cultivate qualities such as contentment, gratitude, and genuine happiness for the success and blessings of others. By doing so, we can protect ourselves from the destructive weapon of jealousy and foster a harmonious and supportive community.

In conclusion, the Hadith of Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) highlights the detrimental effects of jealousy on an individual's character and relationships. Jealousy is described as a weapon of ignobility, symbolizing its destructive power. The Quranic verses further emphasize the importance of avoiding jealousy and its harmful consequences. Muslims are encouraged to cultivate qualities of contentment, gratitude, and genuine happiness for the success of others, in order to foster a harmonious and supportive community. May Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) protect us from the evils of jealousy and grant us the ability to appreciate and celebrate the blessings of others.