Hadith #2247

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, "لَيْسَ لِحَسُود خُلَّةٌ۔" which translates to

The jealous one has no friendship.

This concise statement by Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) holds deep wisdom and provides valuable guidance for Muslims.

To understand the significance of this Hadith, let us delve into the meaning of the key words. The word (hasud) "حَسُود" refers to a person who harbors jealousy or envy towards others. Jealousy is a negative trait that arises when one desires what others possess and feels discontented with their own blessings. The word (khullah) "خُلَّةٌ" refers to friendship, companionship, or close relationships.

The Quran provides us with several verses that shed light on the destructive nature of jealousy and its consequences. Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) warns us 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 highlights that jealousy stems from a lack of gratitude for the blessings bestowed upon others by Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ).

Furthermore, in Surah Al-Hujurat (49:12), Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) warns against the harmful consequences of jealousy,

O you who have believed, avoid much [negative] assumption. Indeed, some assumption is sin. And do not spy or backbite each other. Would one of you like to eat the flesh of his brother when dead? You would detest it. And fear Allah; indeed, Allah is Accepting of repentance and Merciful.

This verse emphasizes the importance of avoiding negative assumptions, backbiting, and spying, which are often fueled by jealousy.

Imam Ali's (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) statement,

The jealous one has no friendship,

highlights the detrimental impact of jealousy on relationships. Jealousy breeds animosity, resentment, and ill-will, making it impossible for a jealous person to establish genuine and meaningful friendships. Jealousy creates a toxic environment that hinders the growth of trust, love, and compassion among individuals.

A jealous person is consumed by negative emotions, constantly comparing themselves to others and feeling discontented with their own circumstances. This mindset prevents them from appreciating the blessings bestowed upon them by Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) and leads to a perpetual state of unhappiness.

Moreover, jealousy can lead to harmful actions and behaviors. It can drive individuals to engage in backbiting, slander, and even sabotage the success of others. Such actions not only harm the person being targeted but also tarnish the character and reputation of the jealous individual.

Conversely, Islam encourages Muslims to cultivate positive qualities such as contentment, gratitude, and genuine happiness for the success and blessings of others. Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) reminds us in Surah Al-Rum (30:21),

And of His signs is that He created for you from yourselves mates that you may find tranquility in them; and He placed between you affection and mercy. Indeed, in that are signs for a people who give thought.

This verse emphasizes the importance of fostering love, affection, and mercy in our relationships, which is only possible when jealousy is absent.

In conclusion, the Hadith of Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ),

The jealous one has no friendship,

serves as a profound reminder for Muslims to avoid the destructive trait of jealousy. Jealousy not only damages our relationships but also hinders our personal growth and spiritual development. Instead, we should strive to cultivate contentment, gratitude, and genuine happiness for the blessings bestowed upon others. By doing so, we can foster harmonious and meaningful relationships, rooted in love, compassion, and mutual respect. May Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) protect us from the destructive effects of jealousy and guide us towards a path of righteousness.