Hadith #11198

In the name of Allah, the Most Gracious, the Most Merciful. May peace and blessings be upon the Prophet Muhammad (ﷺ), his family (Ahl al-Bayt), and his companions.

The provided Hadith of Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) states,

One whose heart is God-wary, jealousy does not enter into it.

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

Firstly, let us understand the key words in this Hadith. The word (Ittaqa) "اتَّقَى" refers to being conscious of Allah's presence, fearing His displeasure, and striving to avoid sins. It is a state of God-consciousness that encompasses both fear and love of Allah. The word (Qalbuhu) "قَلْبُهُ" means "his heart," which symbolizes the core of a person's being, encompassing their thoughts, emotions, and intentions. Lastly, (Al-Hasad) "الحَسَدُ" translates to "jealousy," which is an intense feeling of envy or resentment towards someone else's success, blessings, or possessions.

To understand the significance of this Hadith, we can turn to the Quran for guidance. Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) repeatedly emphasizes the importance of purifying our hearts and guarding them against negative traits such as jealousy. In Surah Al-Hujurat (49:12), Allah says,

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 highlights the importance of avoiding negative assumptions and backbiting, which are often rooted in jealousy. It reminds us that just as we would detest eating the flesh of a deceased brother, we should detest engaging in harmful actions that harm others due to jealousy. This verse encourages Muslims to fear Allah and purify their hearts from such negative traits.

Furthermore, in Surah Al-Falaq (113:5), Allah says,

And from the evil of an envier when he envies.

This verse acknowledges the harm that can be caused by an envious person and seeks Allah's protection from their evil. It reminds us that jealousy is an evil trait that can lead to harmful actions and negative consequences.

In light of these Quranic verses, we can understand the profound wisdom in Imam Ali's statement. When a person's heart is filled with God-consciousness and they strive to avoid sins, jealousy cannot find a place within it. This is because a heart that is truly connected to Allah and focused on pleasing Him is free from the negative emotions and vices that stem from jealousy.

A person who is God-wary understands that everything comes from Allah and that He bestows blessings upon whom He wills. They recognize that jealousy is a futile emotion that only brings harm to oneself and distances them from the path of righteousness. Instead, they cultivate gratitude for their own blessings and rejoice in the success and blessings of others.

By purifying our hearts and cultivating God-consciousness, we can overcome jealousy and embrace a mindset of contentment and gratitude. This not only brings inner peace and tranquility but also fosters a sense of unity and brotherhood among Muslims. It allows us to support and uplift one another, celebrating each other's successes rather than being consumed by envy.

In conclusion, the Hadith of Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) teaches us the importance of cultivating God-consciousness and purifying our hearts from negative traits such as jealousy. By striving to be conscious of Allah's presence and avoiding sins, we can protect our hearts from the destructive effects of jealousy. This aligns with the teachings of the Quran, which repeatedly emphasizes the importance of purifying our hearts and guarding against negative assumptions and envy. May Allah grant us the ability to purify our hearts and protect them from jealousy, and may He bless us with contentment and gratitude.