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Envy is among the most destructive emotions which a man may develop toward his fellow human being. Due to envy, a person will wish evil for others and will be happy when misfortune befalls them. The Prophet (peace be upon him) warned against envy by comparing it to fire that completely burns the wood. He (peace be upon him) said: "Beware of envy, for verily it destroys good deeds the way fire destroys wood." (Abu Dawood)
The Prophet (peace be upon him) said: "There has come to you the disease of the nations before you, envy and hatred. This is the ‘shaver’ (destroyer); I do not say that it shaves hair, but that it shaves (destroys) faith. (Al-Tirmidhi, No. 2434)
Envy can take a person into disbelief because he may conclude that Allaah is not fair with him. The person may forget all of Allaah’s mercy and blessings bestowed upon him. The Messenger of Allah (peace be upon him) said: "They are enemies of Allaah’s bounties." When asked, "Who are they?" he replied: "Those who envy people for what Allaah has given them of Bounty." (At-Tabarani)
Allaah through His Absolute Wisdom gave some people more wealth, intelligence, beauty, strength, and children than others. Discontentment comes from the slave’s ignorance of his Lord. If he recognizes his Lord with the attributes of Perfection, he would not be discontent and as a result would not develop envy. A believing Muslim should be content with what Allaah has destined for him. It is important to remember that, contentment opens the door of peace and security for people with faith.
Material things of this life do not make one superior over another. True superiority lies in Taqwa (righteousness and fear of Allah).
Allaah said: "Surely, the most noble of you to Allah is the most God-fearing. (Qur’an, 49:13) "And the Hereafter with Your Lord is (only) for those who have Taqwa/Piety." (Qur’an, 43:35)
In order to discourage envy, the Prophet (peace be upon him) said: "Do not look to those above you. Look to those below you, as it will more likely remind you of Allaah’s favors bestowed on you."(Al-Bukhari and Muslim)
On another occasion, he said: "If one of you looks at someone wealthier and better built than him, he should also look at someone of lower standard than himself." (Sahih Muslim)
Islam allows one to desire for blessings without having any ill-feeling towards others. This however, is only permissible in two categories. The Messenger of Allaah (peace be upon him) said: "Envy is allowed in two cases: a man whom Allaah has given the Qur’aan and who recites it throughout night and day; and a man on whom Allaah has bestowed wealth who gives it away night and day." (Al-Bukhari and Muslim)
Allaah Knows Best
November 2009 Editorial
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