Hadith #7979

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

The person with the worst lifestyle of all people is the jealous one.

This Hadith highlights the negative consequences of jealousy and warns Muslims against adopting such a destructive trait in their lives.

The word used in this Hadith to describe the person with the worst lifestyle is (hasud) "حَسُودُ". The root of this word is (hasada) "حَسَدَ", which means to envy or be jealous of someone's blessings, possessions, or qualities. Jealousy is a deeply rooted emotion that arises when one desires what others have and feels discontented with their own circumstances.

Jealousy is condemned in Islam as it leads to negative thoughts, feelings, and actions. It is a destructive trait that can harm both the individual who possesses it and the person towards whom it is directed. The Quran provides guidance on how to overcome jealousy and its detrimental effects.

One of the Quranic verses that sheds light on the consequences of jealousy is found in Surah Al-Nisa (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 emphasizes that jealousy arises from a lack of gratitude for the blessings bestowed upon others by Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ). It reminds Muslims that envy is futile, as Allah has already distributed His blessings according to His divine wisdom.

Another verse that addresses the issue of jealousy is found in Surah Al-Hadid (57:23):

So that you may not despair over what has eluded you and not exult [in pride] over what He has given you. And Allah does not like everyone self-deluded and boastful.

This verse advises Muslims against feeling despair or pride due to the blessings or possessions of others. It reminds us that Allah's distribution of wealth and blessings is part of His divine plan, and we should not be consumed by jealousy or arrogance.

Reflecting on the Hadith of Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) and the supporting Quranic verses, we understand that jealousy is a destructive emotion that can lead to a miserable lifestyle. Jealousy not only affects our own well-being but also damages our relationships with others. It breeds negativity, discontentment, and resentment, preventing us from appreciating the blessings Allah has bestowed upon us.

To overcome jealousy, Muslims should focus on developing gratitude and contentment. We should recognize that Allah's distribution of blessings is just and that He has provided each individual with what is best for them. Instead of being envious of others, we should strive to improve ourselves and seek Allah's guidance in attaining success and happiness.

In conclusion, the Hadith of Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) serves as a reminder for Muslims to avoid jealousy and its detrimental effects. It highlights the importance of gratitude, contentment, and recognizing Allah's divine wisdom in the distribution of blessings. By cultivating these qualities, we can lead a more fulfilling and harmonious lifestyle, free from the destructive influence of jealousy. May Allah protect us from the evils of jealousy and grant us the ability to appreciate and be content with the blessings He has bestowed upon us.