Many people suffer from hasad, or jealousy, at some point. However, it is viewed in Islam as a negative force that damages people and upends society. The negative effects of hasad are emphasised in the Qur’an and Hadith, which exhort believers to abstain from it and pursue heart purity.
What Hasad means
When someone feels envious and wishes they could take away another person’s blessings, it’s called a hasad. It differs from ghibtah, a type of envy that aspires after the same blessings without intending to cause harm to the one who already has them. Hasad suggests discontent with Allah’s will and favour, which makes it spiritually poisonous.
Hasad and the Qur’an
The negative effects of jealousy are cautioned against in the Qur’an. Allah declares:
“Or do they envy others for what Allah’s bounty has bestowed upon them?”
An-Nisa Surah 4:54
This verse emphasises how jealousy results from a failure to recognise that Allah is the ultimate giver of blessings and that He distributes them with flawless understanding.
The tale of Prophet Yusuf (peace be upon him) and his brothers, who were overcome by envy, serves as another illustration. They plotted against Yusuf as a result of their hasad, which caused them to suffer and sorrow for years.
Hasad’s Hadith
To warn against hasad, the Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him) said:
“Watch out for jealousy, for it devours good deeds like fire devours wood.”
(Abu Dawood Sunan, 4903)
This potent metaphor demonstrates how jealousy negates a believer’s spiritual benefit and makes their good efforts meaningless.
Additionally, the Prophet stated:
“O worshippers of Allah, be brothers and sisters to one another; do not be envious of or hate one another.”
(Muslim Sahih, 2564)
These teachings place a strong emphasis on Muslims standing together in love and support of one another, free from jealousy and animosity.
Why Hasad Is Negative:
1. To the Person:
Anxiety, unhappiness, and discontent are all bred by jealousy. A person loses inner serenity due to continuously comparing themselves to other people.
2. Regarding Relationships:
Hasad can sour relationships by fostering rivalry, mistrust, and resentment. In the Muslim community, it erodes fraternity and collaboration.
3. To the Community:
Jealousy can disturb peace and justice in society by causing backbiting, slander, and even physical harm.
Ways to Prevent Hasad
Islam offers advice on cultivating a pure heart and conquering jealousy:
Happiness (Qana’ah):
Be thankful for everything Allah has given you. Have faith in His wisdom and plan.
Gratitude (Shukr):
Give thanks to Allah regularly for your blessings. Being grateful diverts attention from what other people have.
Request:
Recite the final two surahs of the Qur’an, Surah Al-Falaq and Surah An-Nas, to seek refuge with Allah from hasad.
“And from an envious person’s evil when he envies.” Al-Falaq Surah 113:5
Offer up prayers for others:
When you witness someone being blessed, offer up a prayer for them to get even more blessings. By doing this, you not only combat jealousy but also receive rewards.
Self-Examination:
Examine the underlying source of your envy and take appropriate action. It frequently results from a lack of appreciation or insecurity.
In conclusion
For every Muslim, Hasad is a test of their morals and beliefs. It takes a close relationship with Allah, thankfulness for His favours, and a genuine concern for other people’s welfare to overcome jealousy. We may ensure spiritual growth, strengthen relationships, and promote societal cohesion by cleansing our hearts of jealousy. Seeking Allah’s pleasure above all else, let us endeavour to live up to the teachings of Islam and purge our hearts of jealousy.
May Allah offer us peace and satisfaction while shielding us from the evil of Hasad. Ameen.
