Hadith #2253

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, and his noble companions.

The Arabic Hadith of Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) states, "لايَكُونُ المُؤْمِنُ حَسُوداً۔" This Hadith can be translated as,

A believer is never jealous.

Let us delve into the meaning of the important words in this Hadith. The word (mu'min) "مُؤْمِنُ" refers to a believer, someone who has faith in Allah and follows His guidance. (hasudan) "حَسُوداً" means jealous, which is the feeling of resentment or envy towards someone else's blessings, success, or possessions.

To understand the significance of this Hadith, we can turn to the Quran for guidance. Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) says in Surah Al-Hujurat (49:12),

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, spying, and backbiting. Jealousy often stems from negative assumptions about others, leading to resentment and ill feelings. A true believer, however, refrains from such behavior and instead focuses on purifying their heart from jealousy and negative thoughts.

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

From the evil of an envier when he envies.

This verse warns us about the harm caused by those who are envious and jealous. A believer, on the other hand, strives to distance themselves from such negative qualities and seeks to cultivate love, compassion, and contentment in their heart.

Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ), known for his immense knowledge and wisdom, emphasizes in this Hadith that a true believer does not harbor jealousy in their heart. Jealousy can lead to destructive behavior, such as spreading rumors, undermining others, or even causing harm to others. A believer, however, is characterized by their ability to rejoice in the blessings and success of others, without feeling any envy or resentment.

This Hadith serves as a reminder for Muslims to reflect upon their own hearts and strive to eliminate any traces of jealousy. It encourages us to develop a mindset of gratitude and contentment, recognizing that every blessing bestowed upon others is a manifestation of Allah's mercy and wisdom. By doing so, we can foster a harmonious and supportive community, where individuals uplift and celebrate one another's achievements.

In conclusion, the Hadith of Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) teaches us that a true believer is never jealous. It reminds us to purify our hearts from negative assumptions, envy, and resentment. By following the guidance of the Quran and the teachings of the Ahl al-Bayt, we can strive to cultivate a mindset of gratitude, contentment, and love towards our fellow Muslims. May Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) grant us the strength to overcome jealousy and fill our hearts with compassion and goodwill towards others.