Hadith #2212

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 Arabic Hadith of Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) states, "الحسد يضني" which translates to "Jealousy is stressful" in English. Let us delve into the connotation of this statement in light of the Quran.

The word (hasad) "حسد" refers to an intense feeling of envy or jealousy towards someone else's blessings, possessions, or qualities. It is a negative emotion that arises when one desires to possess what others have, and it often leads to feelings of discontentment, resentment, and even hatred. The word (danee) "ضني" means to cause stress, anxiety, or constriction.

To understand the significance of this Hadith, we can turn to the Quran for guidance. Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) warns us about the destructive nature of jealousy in several verses. In Surah Al-Nisa, Allah says, (Quran 4:54)

Or do they envy people for what Allah has given them of His bounty?

This verse highlights the negative consequences of envy and reminds us that all blessings come from Allah, and it is He who bestows them upon whom He wills.

Furthermore, in Surah Al-Falaq, Allah advises us to seek refuge from the evil of the envious person, saying, (Quran 113:5)

And from the evil of an envier when he envies

This verse emphasizes the harmful nature of jealousy and the potential harm it can cause to both the envier and the one being envied.

Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ), being the epitome of wisdom and knowledge, reminds us through this Hadith that jealousy is not only detrimental to our spiritual well-being but also to our mental and emotional health. When we harbor jealousy in our hearts, we subject ourselves to stress, anxiety, and inner turmoil.

Jealousy creates a constant state of dissatisfaction, as we become preoccupied with what others possess rather than appreciating our own blessings. This constant comparison and desire for what others have can lead to a never-ending cycle of unhappiness and discontentment.

Moreover, jealousy can also lead to negative actions and behaviors. It can drive individuals to harm others, either directly or indirectly, in an attempt to bring them down or diminish their blessings. This not only harms the person being envied but also tarnishes the character and integrity of the one consumed by jealousy.

Reflecting on this Hadith, we should strive to purify our hearts from jealousy and envy. Instead of being envious of others, we should focus on cultivating gratitude for the blessings bestowed upon us by Allah. We should recognize that every individual has their own unique set of blessings, and it is not productive or beneficial to compare ourselves to others.

By redirecting our energy towards self-improvement, personal growth, and seeking the pleasure of Allah, we can free ourselves from the shackles of jealousy. We can find contentment and peace within ourselves, appreciating the blessings we have been granted and working towards becoming the best version of ourselves.

In conclusion, the Hadith of Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) serves as a reminder for Muslims to guard against the destructive emotion of jealousy. It highlights the negative consequences of harboring envy in our hearts and the stress it brings upon us. By seeking refuge in Allah and focusing on gratitude and self-improvement, we can overcome jealousy and find inner peace and contentment. May Allah protect us from the harms of jealousy and guide us on the path of righteousness.