Hadith #2241

In the name of Allah, the Most Gracious, the Most Merciful. Praise be to Allah, the Lord of all the worlds. 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, "الحسود لايبرء", which translates to

The jealous one is never cured.

This short but beautiful saying holds deep wisdom and guidance for all Muslims.

To understand the significance of this Hadith, let us first explore the meaning of the word (al-hasud) "الحسود" which refers to the one who harbors jealousy or envy in their heart. Jealousy is a negative emotion that arises when one desires what others possess and wishes for their loss or deprivation. It is a destructive trait that can lead to animosity, hatred, and even harm towards others.

The word (layabru) "لايبرء" means "is never cured" or

is never free from.

This indicates that jealousy is an ailment of the heart that has no remedy or cure. It is a chronic condition that persists and afflicts the one who possesses it, causing harm to their own spiritual well-being.

In the Quran, Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) warns against the destructive nature of jealousy. In Surah Al-Nisa, verse 54, Allah says,

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 a gift from Allah. Envy towards others only leads to ingratitude and discontentment with our own blessings.

Furthermore, in Surah Al-Falaq, Allah commands us to seek refuge from the evil of the envious person, saying, (Quran 113:5)

And from the evil of an envier when he envies.

This verse emphasizes the harm that jealousy can cause, not only to the one who possesses it but also to those who become the target of their envy.

Now, let us reflect on the wise message of Imam Ali's (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) Hadith. By stating that the jealous one is never cured, Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) is highlighting the deep-rooted nature of jealousy. It is not a temporary emotion that can be easily overcome, but rather a chronic condition that requires constant vigilance and self-reflection to combat.

Jealousy stems from a lack of contentment and gratitude towards Allah's blessings. It is a manifestation of a weak faith and a distorted perception of the divine decree. When one is envious of others, they fail to recognize that Allah has bestowed upon them unique blessings and favors that are tailored to their own individual journey in this world.

Moreover, jealousy breeds negativity and resentment within oneself. It consumes the heart, leading to unhappiness, bitterness, and a constant comparison with others. This not only hinders personal growth and spiritual development but also damages relationships and fosters a toxic environment within the community.

To overcome jealousy, Muslims must strive to cultivate a mindset of gratitude and contentment. We should recognize and appreciate the blessings that Allah has bestowed upon us, both apparent and hidden. Instead of focusing on what others possess, we should redirect our attention towards self-improvement and utilizing our own blessings to benefit others.

Additionally, seeking knowledge and understanding the true nature of this world and the Hereafter can help alleviate jealousy. When we realize that this life is temporary and that true success lies in the pleasure of Allah, we become less concerned with worldly possessions and more focused on our spiritual growth.

In conclusion, the Hadith of Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) serves as a powerful reminder for Muslims to guard their hearts against jealousy. It highlights the destructive nature of this negative emotion and emphasizes the importance of cultivating gratitude, contentment, and self-reflection. By purifying our hearts from jealousy, we can strive towards a more harmonious and spiritually fulfilling life, in line with the teachings of the Quran and the noble example of our beloved Prophet Muhammad (ﷺ) and his Ahl al-Bayt. May Allah protect us from the evils of jealousy and grant us the strength to overcome it.