By Er Aausyf Ibn Farooq
Jealousy and envy are harmful emotions that can eat away at a person like a moth nibbling on a fine piece of cloth. In Islam, these feelings are not just frowned upon, they are considered serious sins that can cause deep harm to our souls and relationships. Jealousy is like a fire that can burn down everything good in its path. The Prophet Muhammed (PBUH) warned us about this, “Beware of jealousy, for verily it destroys good deeds the way fire destroys wood.” This means that when we allow jealousy to take root in our hearts, it can undo all the good things we’ve worked hard to achieve, just like a fire turning wood into ashes. When we’re jealous, it’s like carrying a heavy stone in our hearts. It weighs us down, making us feel unhappy and restless. This feeling can make us question Allah’s fairness, leading to a lack of gratitude for what we have. Instead of counting our blessings, we would start focusing on what others have, which only makes us feel worse. Jealousy doesn’t just harm us it can also drive a wedge between us and the people we care about. It’s like planting a seed of distrust that grows into a thorny bush, making it hard to maintain healthy relationships. Moreover, if we talk about animosity and Hatred, it often stirs up bad blood, causing people to harbor grudges and resentment. This can turn friends into foes and families into feuding factions. A jealous heart might lead someone to speak ill of others, spreading rumors or lies to make the other person look bad. This kind of behavior is like throwing mud at someone, you might get them dirty, but you also end up with dirty hands.
Hold your horses, Jealousy is not just a personal issue but a widespread problem that infiltrates every part of society, from schools and workplaces to friendships and families. In schools, students might envy each other’s grades, talents, or popularity, leading to bullying and exclusion. In the workplace, jealousy could create a toxic atmosphere where colleagues compete destructively, much like crabs in a bucket pulling each other down. Even within families, jealousy could cause rifts, with siblings and relatives competing for attention and favor, turning homes into tense environments rather than places of love and support.
Islam offers clear guidance on tackling jealousy by encouraging gratitude, which involves focusing on the blessings Allah has given us and finding contentment, making it easier to celebrate others’ successes. Additionally, praying for those we envy helps purify our hearts, much like watering a plant with kindness, allowing it to grow instead of withering in jealousy. Regular self-reflection is also essential, as it involves examining our hearts, seeking Allah’s forgiveness, and committing to positive change, ultimately leading to a more peaceful and content life.
Jealousy might be a common emotion, but that doesn’t mean we should let it control us. By following Islamic teachings and working on ourselves, we can uproot jealousy from our hearts. After all, a heart free of jealousy is a heart that’s open to Allah’s blessings and the joy of living a peaceful life.
- The author is an Automation and control Engineer, currently working in KSA – [email protected]
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