Hadith #2238

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) states,

The jealous one is always ill and the miser is always abased.

This profound statement highlights the negative consequences of jealousy and miserliness. Let us delve deeper into the meanings of the key words in this Hadith.

The word (hasud) "حَسُودُ" refers to a person who feels envy towards others. Envy is a destructive emotion that arises when one desires what others possess and wishes for their blessings to be taken away. This feeling of discontentment and resentment towards others can lead to a state of perpetual illness, both physically and spiritually.

The word (alil) "عَلِيلٌ" refers to being sick or ill. Here, Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) metaphorically describes the state of the jealous person as being constantly unwell. This illness is not limited to physical ailments, but also encompasses emotional and spiritual afflictions. The jealous person is consumed by negative thoughts, bitterness, and discontentment, which ultimately affects their overall well-being.

Similarly, the word (bakhil) "بَخِيلُ" refers to a person who is miserly or stingy. This individual is characterized by their reluctance to spend or share their wealth, even when it is within their means to do so. The miserly person is always abased, meaning they are humiliated and degraded in the eyes of others. Their obsession with hoarding wealth leads to a diminished sense of self-worth and a lack of respect from others.

To further understand the wisdom behind this Hadith, let us turn to the Quran for guidance. Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) warns against 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 envy is a futile emotion, as Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) has already bestowed His blessings upon each individual according to His divine wisdom. Jealousy only serves to undermine our own gratitude and contentment with the provisions that Allah has granted us.

Furthermore, the Quran also addresses the issue of miserliness in Surah Al-Imran, verse 180:

And let not those who [greedily] withhold what Allah has given them of His bounty ever think that it is better for them. Rather, it is worse for them. Their necks will be encircled by what they withheld on the Day of Resurrection.

This verse emphasizes that those who hoard their wealth and refuse to spend it in the way of Allah will face dire consequences in the Hereafter. Miserliness not only leads to a diminished sense of self-worth in this world but also results in severe punishment in the next.

Imam Ali's (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) statement serves as a powerful reminder for Muslims to avoid jealousy and miserliness. By cultivating gratitude, contentment, and generosity, we can attain spiritual and emotional well-being. Jealousy and miserliness only bring about negative consequences, both in this life and the Hereafter.

Reflecting on this Hadith, we should strive to purify our hearts from envy and cultivate a spirit of generosity. Let us seek inspiration from the teachings of Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) and the Quran, and strive to become individuals who are free from the shackles of jealousy and miserliness. May Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) grant us the strength and wisdom to overcome these negative traits and lead a life of righteousness and contentment.