Envy in Islam: A destructive disease of the heart
Envy, known as “Hasad” in Arabic, is a deeply condemned trait in Islam. It is the feeling of resentment or jealousy over the blessings, success, or advantages of others, coupled with the desire for those blessings to be taken away.
Islam recognizes envy as a spiritual disease that not only harms the individual harboring it but also creates division and hostility within the community.
Definition of Envy (Hasad)
Hasad is when a person feels pain and resentment because someone else has been granted a favor by Allah (SWT), and they wish for that favor to be removed or transferred to themselves. Unlike healthy competition or admiration (Ghibtah), Hasad stems from malice and ill will.
Envy in the Holy Qur’an
The Qur’an clearly warns believers against the evils of envy. Allah says:
“And from the evil of the envier when he envies.”
— Surah Al-Falaq (113:5)
This verse teaches Muslims to seek refuge in Allah from the destructive force of the envier’s jealousy. It places envy alongside other major spiritual and physical harms.
Allah also describes how envy was one of the first sins committed in human history:
“And they said, ‘Why is not this Qur’an sent down to some great man of the two towns?’ Do they envy others for what Allah has given them of His bounty?”
— Surah An-Nisa (4:54)
This reveals how envy leads to rejection of truth and divine wisdom.
READ ALSO: Anger Issues in Islam: Guidance from the Qur’an, Hadith and its consequences
Consequences of Envy
Spiritual Damage:
Envy eats away at a person’s good deeds. The Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him) said:
“Beware of envy, for it devours good deeds just as fire devours wood.”
— Sunan Abi Dawood, Hadith 4903
Internal Misery:
The envier lives in constant dissatisfaction, comparing themselves to others, which breeds anxiety, hatred, and restlessness.
Social Corruption:
Envy leads to backbiting, slander, and even actions that harm others, thereby disturbing peace and brotherhood in society.
Loss of Blessings:
Allah may withhold blessings from an envious person due to the darkness in their heart, as they are ungrateful for what they have.
Envy in Hadith
The Prophet (PBUH) consistently warned against envy. In another narration, he said:
“Do not envy one another, do not inflate prices for one another, do not hate one another, do not turn away from one another, and do not undercut one another in trade. Be, O servants of Allah, brothers.”
— Sahih Muslim, Hadith 2564
This hadith promotes unity, sincerity, and love among Muslims, clearly stating that envy is a cause of division and hatred.
However, the Prophet (PBUH) made an exception for two types of envy, called Ghibtah (positive envy):
“There is no envy except in two cases: a person whom Allah has given wealth and he spends it righteously, and a person whom Allah has given wisdom and he acts according to it and teaches it to others.”
— Sahih al-Bukhari, Hadith 73
This shows that Islam allows for admiration that motivates self-improvement, not ill will.
How to Cure Envy
Recognize and Acknowledge It:
Accepting that you have envious feelings is the first step toward healing.
Be Grateful:
Focus on your own blessings. Gratitude extinguishes jealousy.
Make Du’a for Others:
Sincerely pray for the success of those you envy. This purifies the heart.
Increase in Worship:
Seeking closeness to Allah through prayer, dhikr, and Qur’an helps cleanse the soul.
Trust in Allah’s Wisdom:
Believe that Allah gives everyone exactly what they need, when they need it.
Conclusion
Envy is a destructive emotion that Islam urges believers to avoid. It leads to spiritual, emotional, and social harm. By fostering gratitude, trust in Allah, and love for others, a Muslim can protect themselves from the disease of Hasad. The Qur’an and Hadith offer clear guidance to help believers purify their hearts and live in harmony.
May Allah purify our hearts from envy and guide us toward righteousness. Ameen.
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