Hadith #676

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, the Ahl al-Bayt, and his noble companions.

The Arabic Hadith of Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) states, "بِئسَ الرَّفيقُ الحَسُودُ۔" This can be translated into English as,

How evil a comrade the envious one is!

In this beautiful saying, Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) highlights the detrimental nature of envy and warns against the harmful consequences it can have on relationships and society as a whole.

To fully comprehend the significance of this Hadith, let us delve into the meanings of the key words. The term (rafiq) "رَفِيقُ" refers to a companion, friend, or associate. It signifies a person with whom one shares a close bond, spends time, and engages in various activities. The word (hasud) "حَسُودُ" refers to someone who is envious or jealous. Envy is a negative emotion that arises when one desires what another person possesses and wishes for their loss or deprivation.

The Quran provides us with several verses that shed light on the destructive nature of envy. In Surah Al-Qalam (68:16), Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) warns against the envious nature of the disbelievers, saying,

Indeed, the disbelievers are in [constant] denial and enmity.

Envy is a characteristic that is antithetical to faith and righteousness, as it stems from a lack of contentment and gratitude towards Allah's blessings.

Furthermore, in Surah Al-Falaq (113:5), Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) instructs the Prophet Muhammad (ﷺ) to seek refuge from the evil of those who envy, saying,

And from the evil of an envier when he envies.

This verse emphasizes the harmful consequences that can arise from the presence of envy in one's life.

Imam Ali's (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) statement serves as a reminder to Muslims of the importance of cultivating positive qualities in their relationships. Envy not only harms the person who harbors it but also negatively impacts the dynamics of companionship and friendship. An envious companion is one who is unable to rejoice in the success and blessings of others, leading to a toxic and unhealthy environment.

Envy can manifest in various ways, such as spreading rumors, undermining others' achievements, or even actively seeking to harm those who are successful. Such behavior not only damages the bond between individuals but also creates a breeding ground for resentment, animosity, and division within the community.

Imam Ali's (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) enlightening Hadith serves as a powerful reminder for Muslims to strive for purity of heart and to combat envy by cultivating qualities such as contentment, gratitude, and genuine happiness for the success and blessings of others. By doing so, we can foster an atmosphere of love, unity, and support within our communities.

In conclusion, the Hadith of Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) highlights the destructive nature of envy and warns against the harm it can cause in relationships. Envy is a negative emotion that goes against the teachings of Islam and can lead to division and animosity within the community. Muslims are encouraged to cultivate positive qualities such as contentment, gratitude, and genuine happiness for the success of others. By doing so, we can foster an environment of love, unity, and support, strengthening our bonds as believers. May Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) protect us from the evil of envy and grant us the ability to celebrate the success and blessings of others.