Hadith #2259

In the name of Allah, the Most Gracious, the Most Merciful. Praise be to Allah, the Lord of all the worlds. May peace and blessings be upon our beloved Prophet Muhammad (ﷺ), his pure progeny, the Ahl al-Bayt, and his noble companions.

The Hadith of Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) states,

The jealous person considers the cessation of a blessing from the person whom he envies to be a blessing upon himself.

This Hadith highlights the destructive nature of jealousy and its impact on one's perception of blessings.

Let us delve into the key words of this Hadith to gain a deeper understanding. The word (al-hasid) "الحاسِدُ" refers to the jealous person, one who feels discontent and resentment towards others due to their blessings. (yara) "يَرى" means to see or perceive, indicating the jealous person's distorted perception of blessings. (zawal) "زَوالَ" means cessation or disappearance, referring to the end of a blessing. (an-ni'mah) "النِّعْمَةِ" signifies the blessing itself. Finally, (amma yahsuduhu) "عَمَّنْ يَحْسُدُهُ" means from the person whom he envies, emphasizing the source of the jealousy.

To understand the impactful message of this Hadith, we turn to the Quran for guidance. Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) states in Surah Al-Baqarah (2:212),

Beautified for those who disbelieve is the life of this world, and they ridicule those who believe. But those who fear Allah are above them on the Day of Resurrection.

This verse highlights the transient nature of worldly blessings and the importance of prioritizing the fear of Allah over material possessions. The jealous person fails to recognize this truth and instead becomes fixated on the perceived advantages of others.

Furthermore, in Surah An-Nisa (4:54), Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) states,

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 futile and misguided, as Allah bestows His blessings upon whom He wills. The jealous person fails to acknowledge that blessings are ultimately in the hands of Allah, and it is He who determines their distribution.

Now, let us reflect on the beautiful message of this Hadith. The jealous person, consumed by envy, perceives the cessation of a blessing from the person they envy as a blessing upon themselves. This distorted perception arises from their inability to appreciate the true source of blessings and their failure to recognize the transient nature of worldly possessions.

For example, imagine a person who is jealous of their neighbor's luxurious car. When that neighbor's car is damaged or stolen, the jealous person may perceive it as a blessing upon themselves, thinking that they are now superior or have been spared from potential harm. However, this perception is flawed, as it fails to acknowledge that blessings are not limited to material possessions and that true blessings come from Allah.

The consequences of jealousy are detrimental to both the individual and the community. Jealousy breeds discontentment, resentment, and a sense of entitlement. It hinders personal growth and prevents one from appreciating their own blessings. Moreover, jealousy creates a toxic atmosphere within society, fostering competition, animosity, and a lack of unity among Muslims.

To overcome jealousy, Muslims must cultivate gratitude and contentment. We should recognize that blessings are not limited to material possessions but encompass health, knowledge, relationships, and spiritual growth. By focusing on our own blessings and sincerely rejoicing in the blessings of others, we can combat jealousy and foster a sense of unity and brotherhood within the Muslim community.

In conclusion, the Hadith of Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) serves as a powerful reminder of the destructive nature of jealousy. It highlights the distorted perception of blessings that arises from envy and emphasizes the importance of gratitude and contentment. By reflecting on the Quranic verses that support this Hadith, we gain a deeper understanding of the consequences of jealousy and the need to overcome it for the betterment of ourselves and our community. May Allah guide us to purify our hearts from jealousy and grant us the ability to appreciate and be grateful for His blessings.