Envy [Archive] - myIWC Forums

Lulua

27-03-2002, 20:39

Assalaamu alaikum.

If you recall the story of Satan and his rejection from heaven, and his ultimate torment of eternity in hell, you will notice that the reason for such dire and ever-lasting punishment is his envy of mankind, which earned him this reward. It is therefore evident that indulging one's self in envy is most generally considered to be an evil feeling, and one which will only direct one towards ultimate destruction and ever lasting torment. And Allah knows best. All sorts of envy excepting for two things...and that is to be mentioned in some following hadiths which I have selected for quoting for you on this topic.

As for avoiding envy, it is almost impossible...except, of course, with Allah's help. As in anything else, we need to seek Allah's direction and protection from it. Therefore, it is necessary to remember Allah at all times, saying 'bismallah', 'aoudhubillah' (I seek refuge with Allah), and 'mashAllah'. It is very important to remember these three words, and when to say them...of course using the 'bismallah' at the beginning of doing anything or going anywhere, or opening up anything...a container, book, etc. As well, 'aoudhubillah' when viewing or experiencing anything which is either frightening, non-desirable, or perhaps going against Islamic teachings. And, 'mashaAllah' upon witnessing or viewing or hearing of something which is appealing. These three basic and easy words are a key to avoiding envy in one's heart and the evils of it.

There are also various verses, as well as supplications, which are to be read for a cure for the ails of envy, but that would take another posting to touch upon all of that.

Please read the following ahadith, which will give you a more complete knowledge, inshaAllah, of envy, what it is, and the evils of it. And...as well, what kind of envy is permitted.

Allah knows best.

================================================== ====================Evidences against jealousy and envy, and in general advising good manners and treatment between the people.

Taken from Riyad-as-Saliheen

*Compiled by: Al-Imam Abu Zakariya Yahya bin Sharaf An-Nawawi Ad-Dimashqi

Commentary by: Hafiz Salahuddin Yusuf

Translated by: Dr. Muhammad Amin Abu Usamah Al-Arabi bin Razduq

Published by: Darussalam Publishers & Distributors – Riyadh, Saudi Arabia
Fax: 00-966-1-402-1659

1566. Narrated ‘Abdullah bin ‘Amr bin Al-‘As (RAA): Allah’s Messenger (SAAW) said, ‘He who desired to be rescued from the fire of Hell and to enter Paradise, should die in a state of complete belief in Allah and the Last Day, and should do unto others what he wishes to be done unto him.’ (Muslim)

commentary: This Hadith is part of a long Hadith which has already been mentioned in this collection. See Hadith no. 668. It stresses steadfastness in faith and virtuous deeds because the time of death is not known to anyone. Since one can die at any moment, one should never be unmindful of the obligations of faith and good deeds so that he embraces death in a state of perfect faith. This hadith has the same meanings which are contained in the verse 102 of Surat Al-‘Imran (s. #3) exhorting the Muslims thus: ‘And die not except in a state of Islam [(as Muslim) with complete submission to Allah].’
Every Muslim should treat people as nicely as he himself desires to be treated by others.

Allah the exalted says:

‘The believers are nothing else than brothers (in Islamic religion).’ S. 49, v. 10.

‘…humble towards the believers, stern towards the disbelievers…’ s. 5, v. 54.

‘Muhammad (SAAW) is the Messenger of Allah, and those who are with him are severe against disbelievers, and merciful among themselves.’ S. 48, v. 29.

1567. Narrated Anas bin Malik (RAA): Allah’s Messenger(SAAW) said, ‘Do not harbour grudge against one another, nor jealousy, nor enmity; and do not show your backs to one another; and become as fellow brothers and slaves of Allah. It is not lawful for a Muslim to avoid speaking with his brother beyond three days.’ (Al-Bukhari and Muslim)

commentary: ‘Do not harbour grudge against one another’ means that one should not say or do anything which is likely to create ill-will and hatred in others. ‘Nor jealousy’ signifies that if a Muslim is granted any blessing by Allah, one should not wish that he be deprived of it. ‘Do not show your backs to one another’ means that if you come across one another, exchange salutations rather than avoid each other. Since all such things create conflict and dissension, these are strictly forbidden in Islam. Muslims are required to resume their conversation and contacts after a maximum period of three days. Any breach beyond this period is prohibited.

1568. Narrated Abu Hurairah (RAA): Allah’s Messenger (SAAW) said, ‘The gates of Paradise are opened on Mondays and Thursdays, and then every slave (of Allah) is granted forgiveness if he does not associate anything with Allah in worship. But the person in whose heart there is rancour against his (Muslim) brother, they will not be pardoned and with regard to them it will be said twice: ‘Hold both of them until they are reconciled with each other.’ (Muslim)

commentary: We learn from this hadith that mutual enmity grudge and malice are bound to deprive a man from Paradise in the Hereafter.

Allah the exalted says:

‘Or do they envy men (Muhammad and his followers) for what Allah has given them of His Bounty?’ s. 4, v. 54.

1569. Narrated Abu Hurairah(RAA): Allah’s Messenger (SAAW) said, ‘Beware of envy because envy consumes (destroys) the virtues just as the fire consumes the firewood,’ or he said ‘grass’ (Abu Dawud)

commentary: Envy is one of the major sins which are bound to destroy virtues as fast as the fire burns the wood and dray grass to ashes.

Allah the exalted says:

‘And spy not.’ S. 49, v. 12.

‘And those who annoy believing men and women undeservedly, bear on themselves the crime of slander and plain sin.’ S. 33, v. 58.

1570. Narrated Abu Huraira(RAA): Allah’s Messenger(SAAW) said, ‘Beware of suspicion, for suspicion is the worst of false tales. Do not look for other’s faults. Do not spy one another, and do not practice Najsh (means to offer a high price for something in order to allure another customer who is interested in the thing). Do not be jealous of one another and do not nurse enmity against one another. Do not sever ties with one another. Become the slaves of Allah, and be brothers to one another as He commanded. A Muslim is the brother of a Muslim. He should neither oppress him nor humiliate him. The piety is here! The piety is here!’ While saying so he pointed towards his chest. ‘It is enough evil for a Muslim to look down upon his Muslim brother. All things of a Muslim are inviolable for his brother in faith: his blood, his wealth and his honour. Verily, Allah does not look to your bodies nor to your faces but He looks to your hearts and your deeds.’
Another narration is: ‘Do not feel envy against one another; do not nurse enmity; do not spy on one another and do not cheat one another.’

Another narration is: ‘Do not have estranged relations with one another. Do not nurse enmity and do not feel envy against one another. O Allah’s worshippers! Be brothers!’

Another narration is: ‘Do not estrange mutual relations and do not intervene into the transaction which is likely to be settled with another person.’ (Muslim)

Commentary: ‘Beware of suspicion’ means such suspicion about a Muslim for which no apparent evidence is available. Similar is the case of that thought which emerges in one’s mind without any logic. ‘Najsh’ means to give higher bid in auction only to deceive others. Thus, it is a false bid which is not at all intended for purchasing the thing which is being auctioned. The instructions given to the Muslims in this hadith are meant to secure the honour of Muslims. Since, doubt without any reason, and search for defects and weaknesses go against the security of a Muslim’s honour, Islam has strictly forbidden Muslims from them. Another purpose for forbidding such things is to consolidate Muslim brotherhood. For this reason, they have been forbidden from oppression, leaving their Muslim brothers in lurch, considering others humble, and from taking pride in worldly possessions. In fact, the life, property, and honour of a Muslim have bbeen declared unlawful for all other Muslims. Increase in a bid without any intention of buying the thing being auctioned and bargain over a bargain have also been prohibited because they also create ill-will and enmity.

Taken from sahih Al-Bukhari:

1419. Narrated Ibn 'Abbâs(RAA) : The Prophet (SAAW) used to seek refuge with Allâh for AlHasan and AlHusain and say: Your forefather (i.e. Ibrahim (Abraham)) used to seek refuge with Allâh for Ismâ'Il (Ishmael) and Ishâque (Isaac) by reciting the following: 'O Allâh! I seek refuge with Your Perfect Words from every devil and from poisonous pests and from every evil, harmful, envious eye.' (4:590O.B)

CHAPTER 7. Wish to be the like of the one who recites the Qur'ân.

1817. Narrated Abu Huraira (RAA) : Allâh's Messenger (SAAW) said, Not to wish to be the like of (or there is no envy) except in two: A person whom Allâh has taught the Qur'ân and he recites it during the hours of the night and during the hours of the day, and his neighbour listens to him and says, 'I wish I had been given what has been given to soandso, so that I might do what he does; and a person whom Allâh has given wealth and he spends it on what is just and right, whereupon another person may say, 'I wish I had been given what soandso has been given, for then I would do what he does.' (6:544O.B)

Lulua

28-03-2002, 01:11

Assalaamu alaikum.

While searching for something else entirely, I have happened upon the following article by accident. As soon as I read it, I realized that you should read this as well.

It comes from www.islaam.com. There are many more such articles and information and guidance there.

Lulua.

================================================== ===================
The Abandoning Of Rancour, Envy And Similar Feelings
Imam Al-Bayhaqi

The Seventy-Seven Branches of Faith
The Quilliam Press, © 1990, 1996

Allah Most High has said: From the evil of the envier when he envies, [113:5] and: Are they jealous of people because of what Allah in His bounty has given them? [4:54]

Bukhari relates on the authority of Anas that the Prophet, sallallahu `alaihi wa sallam, said, "Do not hate one another, or envy one another, or turn your backs on one another; rather be brethren as Allah’s slaves. It is not lawful for a Muslim to break off relations with his brother for more than three consecutive nights so that they both turn from each other: the better of them is he who gives the first greeting."

Al-Hasan Al-Basri said with regard to Allah’s statement From the evil of the envier when he envies, "This was the first sin to have been committed in heaven." [A reference to Satan’s jealousy of Adam, `alaihis salam].

Al-Ahnaf ibn Qays said, "Mark these five truths: an envious man finds no peace, a liar has no manly virtue, a greedy man is not to be trusted, a miser has no power, and a man of bad character has no glory."

Khalil ibn Ahmad said, "A man who does wrong through envy is very similar to one who is wronged: he has no peace of mind, and he is always grieved."

Al-Mubarrad recited the following lines:

The eye of the envier always sees scandal,
bringing out faults and hiding the good.

He meets you cheerfully, with a smiling face,
while his heart conceals his true feelings.

The envier enmity comes without provocation,
yet he accepts no excuses while he attacks.