Hadith #2207

In the name of Allah, the Most Gracious, the Most Merciful. Praise be to Allah, the Lord of all worlds. 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,

Jealousy is an incurable disease, it does not end except by the destruction of the envier or the death of the envied.

This beautiful saying highlights the destructive nature of jealousy and its detrimental effects on both the one who harbors jealousy and the one who is the object of envy.

Let us delve into the key words of this Hadith to gain a deeper understanding. The word (hasad) "حَسَدُ" refers to jealousy or envy. It is a feeling of discontent or resentment towards someone else's possessions, qualities, or achievements, desiring to have what they have or wishing for their loss. The word (daa) "دَاءٌ" means a disease or an ailment, indicating that jealousy is not just a negative emotion but a harmful condition that afflicts the heart and soul of an individual. The word (ayaa) "عَيَاءٌ" signifies that jealousy is a debilitating and exhausting state that drains one's energy and vitality.

To understand the gravity of this Hadith, we can turn to the Quran for guidance. In Surah Al-Baqarah, Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) warns about the destructive nature of envy, stating, (Quran 4:32)

And do not wish for that by which Allah has made some of you exceed others. For men is a share of what they have earned, and for women is a share of what they have earned. And ask Allah of his bounty. Indeed Allah is ever, of all things, Knowing

This verse emphasizes that Allah has apportioned provisions and blessings to each individual according to His divine wisdom. Envy arises when one desires what others have been blessed with, failing to recognize that Allah's distribution is just and perfect. Jealousy, therefore, stems from a lack of trust in Allah's decree and a failure to appreciate His infinite wisdom.

Furthermore, in Surah Al-Falaq, Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) teaches us to seek refuge from the evil of envy by saying, (Quran 113:5)

And from the evil of an envier when he envies

This verse highlights the harmful consequences of envy, as it is considered an evil act that can lead to harm and ill-will towards others.

The Hadith of Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) underscores the severity of jealousy by stating that it is an incurable disease. This means that jealousy is not a fleeting emotion but a deep-rooted condition that can consume an individual if left unchecked. It corrodes the heart, leading to resentment, bitterness, and even malicious actions towards the envied person.

The Hadith also presents two possible outcomes for jealousy: the destruction of the envier or the death of the envied. The destruction of the envier refers to the negative consequences that jealousy can bring upon the one who harbors it. Jealousy eats away at one's inner peace, causing distress, anxiety, and discontentment. It can lead to a constant state of dissatisfaction and unhappiness, ultimately destroying one's own well-being.

On the other hand, the death of the envied signifies the potential harm that jealousy can cause to the one who is the object of envy. Jealousy can lead to backbiting, slander, and even physical harm towards the envied person. It can create a toxic environment of competition and animosity, hindering personal growth and fostering a culture of negativity.

Reflecting on this Hadith, Muslims are reminded of the importance of purifying their hearts from jealousy. Islam teaches us to be content with what Allah has blessed us with and to be happy for the success and prosperity of others. We should strive to cultivate a sense of gratitude and appreciation for the blessings in our own lives, rather than being consumed by envy.

In conclusion, the Hadith of Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) serves as a powerful reminder of the destructive nature of jealousy. It highlights the need for Muslims to guard their hearts against envy and to strive for inner peace and contentment. By seeking refuge in Allah, trusting in His divine decree, and cultivating a spirit of gratitude, we can protect ourselves from the perils of jealousy and foster a harmonious and supportive community. May Allah protect us from the disease of jealousy and grant us the ability to sincerely rejoice in the success of others.