Hadith #2218

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

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

Jealousy melts away the body.

Let us delve into the meaning of this statement and explore its implications in light of the Quran.

The word (hasad) "حَسَد" in Arabic refers to the feeling of envy or jealousy towards someone's blessings, possessions, or qualities. It is a destructive emotion that can consume a person from within, leading to negative consequences not only in the spiritual realm but also in the physical aspect of one's being.

Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) warns us in the Quran about the harmful effects of jealousy. In Surah An-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 it questions the envy towards the blessings bestowed by Allah upon His chosen servants.

Jealousy not only affects one's spiritual well-being but also has a detrimental impact on the physical body. The phrase (yudhibu al-jasad) "يُذيبُ الجَسَدَ" in the Hadith refers to the melting away or wasting of the body due to the corrosive effects of jealousy. This metaphorical melting can be understood as a weakening of the physical health and vitality of an individual.

In Surah Al-Qasas, verse 76, Allah narrates the story of Qarun, who was blessed with great wealth and possessions. However, his jealousy and arrogance led to his downfall. Allah says,

So We caused the earth to swallow him and his home. And there was for him no company to aid him other than Allah, nor was he of those who [could] defend themselves.

This verse serves as a warning against the destructive consequences of jealousy, which can lead to the destruction of one's worldly possessions and ultimately their own ruin.

Furthermore, jealousy not only affects the individual who harbors it but also has negative consequences for society as a whole. In Surah Al-Hujurat, verse 12, Allah advises the believers,

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 on others, which are often rooted in jealousy. Such behaviors not only harm the unity and harmony within the Muslim community but also lead to the deterioration of one's own character and spiritual well-being.

Reflecting on the Hadith of Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ), we can understand that jealousy is a destructive emotion that not only harms our spiritual state but also has tangible effects on our physical health. It weakens the body, wastes away its vitality, and can lead to the destruction of one's worldly possessions. Therefore, as Muslims, it is crucial for us to guard our hearts against jealousy and strive to cultivate contentment, gratitude, and love for our fellow believers. By doing so, we can protect ourselves from the detrimental consequences of jealousy and lead a more fulfilling and harmonious life. May Allah protect us from the destructive effects of jealousy and grant us the strength to purify our hearts.