Hadith #2577

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,

Spite is the trait of the jealous ones.

In this wise utterance, Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) highlights the destructive nature of envy and its manifestation in the form of spite. To fully comprehend the significance of this Hadith, let us delve into the meanings of the key words.

The word (hikd) "حِقْدُ" refers to deep-seated animosity or hatred towards someone. It is a negative emotion that stems from envy and resentment. The word (shimah) "شيمَةُ" means a distinguishing mark or characteristic. It represents a trait or quality that is associated with a particular individual. Lastly, (al-hasadah) "الحَسَدَةِ" refers to jealousy, which is an intense desire to possess what someone else has, coupled with a feeling of resentment towards their success or blessings.

To understand the implications of this Hadith, we can turn to the Quran for guidance. Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) warns us against envy and its destructive consequences in several verses. 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 everything we possess is ultimately bestowed upon us by Allah's grace.

Furthermore, in Surah Al-Falaq, Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) instructs us to seek refuge from the evil of those who envy and harbor spite. He says, (Quran 113:5)

And from the evil of an envier when he envies.

This verse emphasizes the harmful nature of envy and the potential harm it can cause to both the envier and the one who is envied.

Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ), being the epitome of knowledge and wisdom, warns us about the trait of spite that is often found in those who are jealous. Spite is a manifestation of envy that leads individuals to harm others, whether through their words or actions. It is a destructive quality that not only damages relationships but also tarnishes one's own character.

When a person is consumed by envy, they become blind to their own blessings and focus solely on the perceived advantages of others. This leads to feelings of resentment and animosity, which ultimately manifest as spiteful behavior. Such behavior can take various forms, including spreading rumors, backbiting, or even actively seeking to harm the person they envy.

The consequences of harboring spite are far-reaching. It not only damages the social fabric of a community but also erodes the spiritual well-being of the individual. Spiteful actions create a toxic environment where trust and harmony are compromised. Moreover, the one who harbors spite loses their own peace of mind and contentment, as they are constantly consumed by negative emotions.

Imam Ali's (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) statement serves as a reminder for Muslims to guard themselves against envy and its destructive consequences. Instead of harboring spite, we should strive to cultivate gratitude and contentment. By recognizing and appreciating the blessings bestowed upon us by Allah, we can combat envy and jealousy.

In conclusion, the Hadith of Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) highlights the detrimental nature of envy and its manifestation in the form of spite. It serves as a reminder for Muslims to guard themselves against these negative emotions and strive for gratitude and contentment. By doing so, we can foster a harmonious and compassionate society, free from the destructive effects of envy and spite. May Allah protect us from the evils of envy and grant us the ability to appreciate and celebrate the blessings of others.