Jealousy, known as Hasad in Arabic, is considered a destructive emotion in Islam, characterized by resentment towards others and wishing evil upon them for their blessings. It's the antithesis of contentment and gratitude, fostering negativity and potentially leading to harmful actions.
The Nature of Hasad (Jealousy)
Hasad goes beyond simply wanting what someone else has. It involves:
- Resentment: Feeling bitter and discontented because someone possesses something you lack.
- Wishing Harm: Desiring that the other person loses their blessings, whether material wealth, success, happiness, or good health.
- Malice: Feeling pleasure when misfortune befalls the envied person.
This negative emotion contrasts with Ghibtah, which is a permissible form of envy where one admires someone's blessings and wishes to attain something similar without wanting the other person to lose what they have.
Why Jealousy is Discouraged in Islam
Islam emphasizes contentment, gratitude, and positive relationships. Jealousy undermines these principles:
- It opposes Allah's Decree: Muslims believe that blessings are bestowed by Allah, and jealousy implies dissatisfaction with His distribution.
- It harms relationships: Jealousy breeds animosity and distrust, damaging bonds between family, friends, and community members.
- It consumes the jealous person: The constant negativity and resentment associated with jealousy can lead to stress, anxiety, and unhappiness.
- It can lead to sinful acts: Jealousy can motivate harmful actions, such as backbiting, slander, and even physical harm.
Islamic Teachings on Overcoming Jealousy
Islam provides guidance for combating jealousy:
- Strengthening Faith: Remembering that Allah is the source of all blessings helps to curb resentment.
- Gratitude: Focusing on one's own blessings and expressing gratitude to Allah promotes contentment.
- Making Dua (Supplication): Praying for oneself and for others to be blessed.
- Avoiding Comparison: Limiting comparisons with others can reduce feelings of inadequacy and envy.
- Purifying the Heart: Striving to cultivate positive qualities like compassion, generosity, and love for others.
- Seeking Refuge in Allah: Reciting prayers and seeking Allah's protection from the evil of jealousy.
Example of Hasad in Action
Imagine a person feeling envious of their coworker's recent promotion. Hasad would manifest as not just wanting a promotion themselves, but also secretly wishing their coworker would fail in their new role, feeling happy when they make a mistake, and actively trying to undermine their success.
Conclusion
Jealousy (Hasad) is a harmful emotion in Islam that contradicts the principles of contentment, gratitude, and positive relationships. Islamic teachings emphasize the importance of combating this destructive feeling through faith, gratitude, and striving to purify the heart.
