Prohibtion of Hasad (Envy)

PROHIBITION OF HASAD (ENVY)

The Arabic word Hasad (envy, jealousy) implies that a person is envious of another person’s possessions (any blessing that is granted to him by Allaah (whether a worldly blessing or a religious blessing), and desires that he be deprived of them and at the same time aspires for those advantages for himself. This is forbidden. If a man desires something for himself but does not want another person to be deprived of it, such a feeling is called Ghibtah. This feeling is very much desirable in religious matters.

MISCHIEVOUS IMPACT OF HASAD

1. Hasad is one of the Major sins and one of the characteristics of the Jews.
Allaah, the Exalted says in Surat an-Nisaa’ (4:54):

“Or do they envy men (Muhammad (May Allah’s peace and blessings be upon him) and his followers) for what Allaah has given them of His Bounty?”
This refers to their envy of the Prophet (May Allah’s peace and blessings be upon him) for the great Prophethood that Allaah entrusted him with. Their envy made them reject him, because he was an Arab and not from the Children of Israel.
At-Tabaraani recorded that Ibn ‘Abbas (May Allah be pleased with him)) said that “Or do they envy men” means, “We are the worthy people, rather than the rest of the people.”

Also Allaah, the Exalted says about Jews in Surat al-Baqarah (2:109):
“Many of the people of the Scriptures (Jews and Christians) wish that they could turn you away as disbelievers after you have believed, out of envy from their own selves, even after the Truth has become manifest unto them.”

And Allaah, the Exalted says in Surat Al-Nisa:
“Then, We have already given the family of Ibraheem (Abraham (May Peace be upon him)) the Book and al-Hikmah, and conferred upon them a great kingdom.” (4:54)
Meaning, We gave the Prophethood to the tribes of the children of Israel, who are among the offspring of Ibraheem (May Peace be upon him) and sent down the Books to them. These Prophets (like David and Solomon) ruled the Jews with the Prophetic traditions, and We made kings among them. [Ibn Katheer]

So Allaah’s Bounties are continuously bestowed upon His believing slaves. How can you deny His Bounties with Prophethood, Victory, and Kingship to His Prophet Muhammad (May Allah’s peace and blessings be upon him), the best of the creation and the most knowledgeable about Allaah and most fearful of Him? (Shaikh As-Sa’di in Tayseer al-Kareem)

The Prophet (May Allah’s peace and blessings be upon him) forbade and warned us against Hasad. Anas ibn Maalik (May Allah be pleased with him) narrated that Allaah’s Messenger (May Allah’s peace and blessings be upon him) said: “Do not harbor a grudge (hatred) against one another, nor jealousy, nor enmity; and do not give your backs to one another; and become as fellow brothers and slaves of Allaah. It is not lawful for a Muslim to avoid speaking with his brother beyond three days.” [Agreed upon]
This Hadeeth mentions mischievous conducts that create conflict and dissention among Muslims. One of these strictly prohibited characteristics in Islam is envy.

Abu Hurairah (May Allah be pleased with him) narrated that Allaah’s Messenger (May Allah’s peace and blessings be upon him) said: “Beware of envy because envy consumes (destroys) the virtues (good deeds) just as fire devours firewood.” [Reported by Abu Dawoud, and Al-Albaani said it is Da’ief]
Envy is one of the Major sins which is bound to destroy good deeds as fast as fire burns wood and dry grass to ashes.

2. Hasad (Envy) implies objection to the Pre-Ordained Decree
The envious person is not pleased with Allaah’s Pre-ordainment and Decree, i.e. he is not pleased with Allaah when He, the Exalted grants so-and-so money or family or knowledge. He has an objection to the Decree of Allaah in his inner self.

3. Hasad (Envy) is an ember of fire in the heart
When Allaah, the Exalted bestows any of His Favors upon His slave, this heart (of the envious person) is burnt. Therefore, one sees this person always unhappy and living in misery and restlessness (anxiety).

4. Hasad (Envy) leads to transgression and enmity
The envious person might transgress against the person whom Allaah, the Exalted has granted of His Bounty. He may distort his reputation among the people, backbite him and say things about him whether he is truthful or forging a lie against him, wishing the removal of the blessing from him.

5. Hasad (Envy) never drives away or repels Allaah’s Blessings upon His slaves
No matter how much the envious person envies or transgresses, he will never be able to remove the blessings of Allaah, the Exalted. No one is able to prevent the Qadar (Decree) of Allaah for His slaves.
The Prophet (May Allah’s peace and blessings be upon him) said to Ibn ‘Abbas (May Allah be pleased with him)): “Know that if the whole nation gathered together intending to do harm to you, they will not be able to afflict you with anything except that which Allaah has Pre-Destined for you.” [At-Tirmidhi]

REMEDY FOR ENVY

It is obligatory upon the person who sees himself envious towards someone:
1. To fear Allah and have Taqwa
2. To scold (rebuke) himself and say to it: “How do you envy people for what Allaah has given them of His Bounty? Why do you hate Allaah’s Blessings to be bestowed upon His slaves? If you have such a blessing, would you like anyone to envy you for it? Bear in mind, if you envy and hate what Allaah gives of His Bounty, you will not be able to do any harm to the envied person, but rather you will be the one who will be harmed.” Continue to rebuke oneself until one rids himself of this character and feels at rest and becomes happy.

O Allaah! Guide us to the best deeds and character. No one is able to guide us to them except You.
O Allaah! Drive away the bad characters from us, for no one is able to drive them away except You.