Hadith #2215

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, "Al-Hasadu ra'su al-'uyub." This Hadith can be translated as,

Jealousy is the principal of [all] flaws.

Let us delve into the significance of this statement in light of the Quran.

The word "hasad" in Arabic refers to jealousy or envy. It is a negative emotion that arises when one desires what others possess, whether it be material possessions, talents, or blessings. Jealousy can lead to harmful actions, such as backbiting, slander, and even physical harm. It is considered a flaw because it corrupts the heart and soul, leading to a multitude of sins and distancing oneself from the path of righteousness.

Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) warns us against the destructive nature of jealousy in the Quran. 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 envy, as Allah has already bestowed His blessings upon individuals according to His divine wisdom. Envy only leads to discontentment and ingratitude towards Allah's blessings.

Furthermore, in Surah Al-Hadid, verse 20, Allah states,

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 worldly possessions and achievements are temporary and fleeting. Jealousy towards others' worldly gains is futile, as they are transient and will not bring lasting happiness or success.

Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) highlights the significance of jealousy as the "principal of flaws." This means that jealousy is not just one flaw among many, but rather the root cause of various other flaws and sins. When jealousy takes hold of a person's heart, it can lead to a multitude of negative actions and attitudes. It can lead to hatred, resentment, and a desire to harm others. Jealousy can also cloud one's judgment and prevent them from appreciating their own blessings and talents.

Let us reflect on the consequences of jealousy in our lives. When we are consumed by envy, we become blind to our own blessings and focus solely on what others have. This leads to discontentment, ingratitude, and a lack of appreciation for the countless blessings bestowed upon us by Allah. Jealousy also damages relationships, as it breeds animosity and ill-will towards others. It prevents us from genuinely celebrating the success and happiness of others and fosters a toxic environment of competition and comparison.

To overcome jealousy, we must cultivate gratitude and contentment in our hearts. We should remember that Allah has blessed each of us with unique talents, abilities, and provisions. Instead of comparing ourselves to others, we should focus on developing our own strengths and utilizing them for the betterment of ourselves and society. We should strive to be genuinely happy for others' successes and pray for their continued blessings.

In conclusion, the Hadith of Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) teaches us that jealousy is the principal of all flaws. It is a negative emotion that corrupts the heart and leads to a multitude of sins. By reflecting on the Quranic verses that warn against envy and its consequences, we can strive to overcome this destructive emotion and cultivate gratitude, contentment, and genuine happiness for others. May Allah protect us from the pitfalls of jealousy and guide us on the path of righteousness.