Hadith #1326

In the name of Allah, the Most Gracious, the Most Merciful. Praise be to Allah, the Lord of all worlds. Peace and blessings be upon our beloved Prophet Muhammad (ﷺ), his pure progeny, the Ahl al-Bayt, and his noble companions.

The provided Hadith of Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) states,

A believer is never found to be envious, malevolent or miserly.

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

The first word to examine is (حَسُوداً) "hasudan", which translates to "envious." Envy is a destructive emotion that arises when one desires what others possess and wishes for their loss or deprivation. The Quran warns against envy, stating, (Quran 4:54)

Or do they envy people for what Allah has given them of His bounty?

Envy is a characteristic that contradicts the spirit of faith and contentment with Allah's decree.

The second word is (حَقُوداً) "haqoodan", which means "malevolent" or "malicious." This refers to harboring ill-will or animosity towards others, seeking to harm or cause trouble. The Quran emphasizes the importance of maintaining good relations and forbids us from being malevolent, stating, (Quran 49:11)

And let not a group of you be malevolent to another group

A believer, who is guided by the teachings of Islam, should always strive to be kind, compassionate, and forgiving.

The third word is (بَخِيلاً) "bakheela", which translates to "miserly" or "stingy." This refers to being excessively reluctant to spend or share one's wealth and resources. The Quran encourages generosity and condemns miserliness, stating, (Quran 76:8)

And they are those who give food, in spite of their love for it, to the needy, the orphan, and the captive

A believer should be characterized by their willingness to give and help others, rather than hoarding their wealth for personal gain.

Imam Ali's (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) statement highlights the noble qualities that a believer should possess. Envy, malevolence, and miserliness are traits that are detrimental to one's spiritual growth and hinder the development of a harmonious society. By abstaining from these negative qualities, a believer can cultivate a heart filled with love, compassion, and generosity.

Envy breeds discontentment and ingratitude, leading to a constant desire for what others possess. It is a poison that corrodes the soul and prevents one from appreciating the blessings bestowed upon them by Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ). Instead, a believer should be content with their own provisions and focus on utilizing them for the betterment of themselves and others.

Being malevolent or malicious towards others not only harms them but also tarnishes one's own character. Islam teaches us to treat others with kindness and to forgive those who wrong us. By embodying these qualities, a believer can foster a peaceful and harmonious environment, free from animosity and ill-will.

Miserliness is a reflection of a narrow-minded and self-centered approach to life. It prevents one from experiencing the joy and blessings that come from sharing with others. Islam encourages believers to be generous and charitable, recognizing that wealth is a trust from Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) that should be used for the betterment of society.

Imam Ali's (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) statement serves as a reminder for Muslims to strive for excellence in their character and conduct. By abstaining from envy, malevolence, and miserliness, believers can embody the true spirit of Islam and contribute to the establishment of a just and compassionate society.

May Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) guide us to purify our hearts from these negative traits and grant us the strength to cultivate the virtues of contentment, kindness, and generosity. May we be among those who are known for their love and compassion towards others, seeking to emulate the noble example set by the Prophet Muhammad (ﷺ) and his Ahl al-Bayt.