Hadith #2248

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 Ahl al-Bayt, and his noble companions.

The Hadith of Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) states,

Man kathura hasaduhu, talaa kamaduhu,

which translates to

One whose jealousy increases, his depression becomes prolonged.

Let us delve into the meanings of the important words in this Hadith and explore its profound wisdom in light of the Quran.

The word "hasad" refers to jealousy or envy, which is a negative emotion that arises when one desires what others possess and wishes for their loss or deprivation. Jealousy can be a destructive force, leading to feelings of bitterness, resentment, and unhappiness. The word "kamad" refers to depression or sadness, which is a state of prolonged sorrow and despair.

The Quran acknowledges the detrimental effects of jealousy and warns against its destructive nature. In Surah Al-Nisa, Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) says, (Quran 4:54)

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 highlights the futility of jealousy, as everything we possess is ultimately bestowed upon us by Allah's grace.

Jealousy not only harms the one who harbors it but also affects their mental and emotional well-being. The Hadith of Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) emphasizes that as jealousy increases, so does one's depression. This correlation between jealousy and depression is supported by various psychological studies, which have shown that envy can lead to feelings of sadness, inadequacy, and low self-esteem.

Furthermore, the Quran teaches us to cultivate positive qualities such as contentment and gratitude, which are antidotes to jealousy. In Surah Al-Baqarah, Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) says, (Quran 14:7)

And [recall] when your Lord proclaimed, 'If you are grateful, I will surely increase you [in favor]; but if you deny, indeed, My punishment is severe'

By focusing on gratitude for the blessings bestowed upon us, we can overcome jealousy and find inner peace and happiness.

The consequences of allowing jealousy to consume us are far-reaching. It not only affects our mental and emotional well-being but also damages our relationships with others. Jealousy breeds animosity, resentment, and ill-will, leading to a toxic environment. The Quran warns against such negative attitudes and encourages Muslims to foster love, compassion, and unity among themselves.

Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ), known for his profound wisdom and knowledge, highlights the harmful effects of jealousy and its impact on our mental health. His words serve as a reminder for Muslims to guard against jealousy and strive for self-improvement and contentment. By purifying our hearts from envy and cultivating positive qualities, we can attain peace and tranquility in this life and the hereafter.

In conclusion, the Hadith of Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) serves as a profound reminder for Muslims to be cautious of jealousy and its detrimental effects on our mental and emotional well-being. It urges us to seek contentment, gratitude, and self-improvement, as these qualities lead to inner peace and happiness. May Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) protect us from the destructive nature of jealousy and grant us the ability to cultivate positive qualities in our hearts.