Hadith #2222

In the name of Allah, the Most Gracious, the Most Merciful. All praise is due to Allah, the Lord of all the 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,

Jealousy is the habitude of the vile ones and the enemies of fortunes.

This Hadith highlights the destructive nature of jealousy and its association with lowly character and enmity towards others' success and blessings.

Let us delve deeper into the words used in this Hadith to gain a comprehensive understanding. The term "al-hasad" refers to jealousy, which is an intense feeling of resentment or envy towards someone's possessions, qualities, or achievements. It is a negative emotion that arises from a sense of inadequacy or a desire to possess what others have.

The word "da'ab" translates to "habitude" or "habit." It signifies that jealousy becomes ingrained in the character of those who possess it. It becomes a recurring pattern of behavior, shaping their thoughts, actions, and interactions with others.

Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) describes those who harbor jealousy as "as-safil," which can be translated as "the vile ones" or "the lowly ones." This term highlights the moral degradation and spiritual deficiency associated with jealousy. It indicates that jealousy is a characteristic of individuals who lack noble qualities and virtues.

Furthermore, Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) refers to the jealous individuals as "a'daa' ad-duwal," meaning

the enemies of fortunes.

This phrase emphasizes that jealousy leads to hostility and animosity towards those who possess blessings and success. Jealousy blinds individuals to their own blessings and prevents them from appreciating the blessings of others. It breeds negativity, resentment, and ill-will, creating an atmosphere of enmity and discord.

To understand the gravity of this Hadith and its implications, let us turn to the Quran for guidance. Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) warns against jealousy and its destructive consequences in several verses. In Surah Al-Nisa (4:54), Allah says,

Or do they envy people for what Allah has given them of His bounty?

This verse reminds us that jealousy stems from a lack of gratitude and contentment with the blessings bestowed upon us by Allah. It urges us to appreciate and celebrate the blessings of others rather than feeling envious.

In Surah Al-Hadid (57:23), Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) states,

So that you not despair over what has eluded you and not exult [in pride] over what He has given you.

This verse cautions against both jealousy and arrogance. It teaches us to avoid despair when we lack certain blessings and to avoid pride when we possess them. Jealousy arises when we fail to recognize that every individual has been granted a unique set of blessings by Allah, and it is not for us to question or resent His divine distribution.

The consequences of jealousy are manifold. It not only harms the individual harboring jealousy but also creates a toxic environment within families, communities, and societies. Jealousy breeds animosity, backbiting, and slander, eroding trust and unity among Muslims. It hinders personal growth and prevents individuals from focusing on their own development and self-improvement. Jealousy also blinds individuals to their own blessings, leading to ingratitude and discontentment.

Reflecting on this Hadith, we are reminded of the importance of purifying our hearts from jealousy and cultivating gratitude and contentment. We should strive to celebrate the successes and blessings of others, recognizing that Allah's blessings are abundant and diverse. By doing so, we can foster a harmonious and supportive community that encourages personal growth and collective prosperity.

In conclusion, the Hadith of Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) serves as a profound reminder of the destructive nature of jealousy. It highlights the association of jealousy with lowly character and enmity towards the blessings of others. Through the guidance of the Quran, we understand that jealousy stems from a lack of gratitude and contentment. It is essential for us, as Muslims, to strive towards purifying our hearts from jealousy, cultivating gratitude, and celebrating the successes and blessings of others. May Allah protect us from the destructive effects of jealousy and grant us the ability to appreciate and cherish the blessings He has bestowed upon us and our fellow Muslims.