Hadith #2239

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 purified progeny, and his noble companions.

The Hadith of Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) states,

The jealous one is always sick, even when his body is healthy.

This Hadith highlights the detrimental effects of jealousy on an individual's well-being, emphasizing that jealousy is a spiritual illness that can afflict a person regardless of their physical health.

The word (hasud) "حَسُودُ" refers to a person who harbors jealousy or envy towards others. Jealousy is an intense feeling of resentment or discontentment towards someone else's possessions, qualities, or achievements. It is a negative emotion that can consume a person's heart and lead to harmful actions and attitudes.

The Hadith describes the jealous person as (da'im al-suqam) "دائِمُ السُّقْمِ", which can be translated as "always sick." This phrase signifies that jealousy is a chronic ailment that afflicts the heart and soul of the jealous individual. Even if their physical body appears healthy, their spiritual state remains diseased and unwell.

The Quran provides guidance on the destructive nature of jealousy and its consequences. In Surah Al-Qasas, Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) warns against envy and its detrimental effects:

(Quran 31:12-15)

And We had certainly given Luqman wisdom [and said], 'Be grateful to Allah.' And whoever is grateful is grateful for [the benefit of] himself. And whoever denies [His favor] - then indeed, Allah is Free of need and Praiseworthy. And [mention, O Muhammad], when Luqman said to his son while he was instructing him, 'O my son, do not associate [anything] with Allah. Indeed, association [with him] is great injustice.' And We have enjoined upon man [care] for his parents. His mother carried him, [increasing her] in weakness upon weakness, and his weaning is in two years. Be grateful to Me and to your parents; to Me is the [final] destination. But if they endeavor to make you associate with Me that of which you have no knowledge, do not obey them but accompany them in [this] world with appropriate kindness and follow the way of those who turn back to Me [in repentance]. Then to Me will be your return, and I will inform you about what you used to do.

This passage highlights the importance of gratitude and warns against associating partners with Allah. Jealousy stems from a lack of gratitude and contentment with the blessings bestowed upon us by Allah. When we fail to appreciate what we have and instead covet what others possess, we fall into the trap of jealousy.

Furthermore, in Surah Al-Falaq, Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) teaches us to seek refuge from the evil of those who are envious:

(Quran 113:1-5)

Say, 'I seek refuge in the Lord of daybreak from the evil of that which He created and from the evil of darkness when it settles and from the evil of the blowers in knots and from the evil of an envier when he envies.'

This verse highlights the harm that can be caused by an envious person. Their envy is described as an evil that can bring harm and negativity into our lives. Seeking refuge in Allah from the evil of envy reminds us of the importance of protecting ourselves from the negative effects of jealousy.

The Hadith of Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) serves as a reminder for Muslims to guard their hearts against jealousy. Jealousy not only harms our spiritual well-being but also affects our relationships with others. It breeds negativity, resentment, and ill-will, leading to a toxic environment.

Reflecting on this Hadith, we should strive to cultivate gratitude and contentment in our lives. Instead of being envious of others, we should focus on our own blessings and work towards self-improvement. By doing so, we can protect ourselves from the spiritual sickness of jealousy and foster a positive and harmonious society.

May Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) protect us from the destructive effects of jealousy and grant us the ability to appreciate and be content with the blessings He has bestowed upon us. Ameen.