Hadith #2220

In the name of Allah, the Most Gracious, the Most Merciful. 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,

الحسد مقنصة إبليس الكبرى

which translates to

Jealousy is the great trap of the Devil.

This impactful saying of Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) highlights the destructive nature of jealousy and its association with the Devil.

Let us delve deeper into the meaning of the key words in this Hadith. (al-hasad) "الحسد" refers to jealousy or envy, which arises when one desires what another possesses and wishes for it to be taken away from them. (miqnasah) "مقنصة" means a trap or snare, symbolizing the cunning and deceitful nature of jealousy. (Iblis al-kubra) "إبليس الكبرى" refers to the great Devil, Iblis, who is the epitome of evil and deception.

To understand the gravity of this Hadith, we can turn to the Quran for guidance. Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) warns us about the destructive nature of jealousy in Surah Al-Nisa, verse 54:

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 emphasizes that envy towards others for the blessings bestowed upon them by Allah is not only futile but also a rejection of the divine decree.

Furthermore, in Surah Al-Falaq, Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) warns us about the whisperings of the Devil: (Quran 113:5)

And from the evil of an envier when he envies.

This verse highlights the malicious intentions of the Devil and his attempts to incite envy and discord among people.

Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ), known for his profound knowledge and wisdom, warns us about the dangers of jealousy. Jealousy not only harms the individual who harbors it but also creates animosity and division within society. It is a trap set by the Devil to lead us astray from the path of righteousness and contentment.

When we allow jealousy to consume us, we become blinded by our desires and lose sight of the blessings bestowed upon us by Allah. Instead of appreciating and being grateful for what we have, we focus on what others possess, leading to discontentment and unhappiness. This negative state of mind can lead to harmful actions, such as backbiting, slander, and even plotting against others.

To overcome jealousy, we must remind ourselves of the teachings of the Quran and the noble example set by the Prophet Muhammad (ﷺ) and his Ahl al-Bayt (عَلَيْهِمُ ٱلسَّلَامُ). We should strive to cultivate a sense of gratitude and contentment, recognizing that Allah has blessed each individual with unique gifts and provisions. Rather than being envious of others, we should celebrate their success and pray for their well-being.

In conclusion, the Hadith of Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) serves as a powerful reminder of the destructive nature of jealousy and its association with the Devil. By reflecting on the Quranic verses that warn against envy and the whisperings of the Devil, we can strive to overcome jealousy and foster a sense of gratitude and contentment in our hearts. May Allah protect us from the traps of the Devil and guide us on the path of righteousness.