Understanding Envy (Hasad): Its dangers and how to avoid them (Part 1/2)

​Envy, known as hasad in Arabic, is a destructive emotion that can poison our hearts and relationships. This blog delves into the nature of envy, its consequences, and Islamic perspectives on how to overcome it.


The Root of Discontent:
Scholars debate the exact position of envy in the hierarchy of negative emotions. Some consider it the source of all negativity, while others identify covetousness (tama'a) as the root cause. Regardless, most agree that envy manifests as the first sign of wrongdoing.
The Quran narrates the story of Satan's (Iblis) refusal to bow before Adam (peace be upon them). This act of disobedience stemmed from envy, as Satan felt inferior to Adam, chosen by God as His vicegerent on Earth. This refusal highlights how envy can lead to rebellion against God's will.


The Envier and the Envied:
In Arabic, hasud refers to the person experiencing envy, and mahsud is the object of that envy. The Quran teaches us to seek refuge from the envious person's evil (113:5). Prophet Muhammad ﷺ compared envy to fire consuming good deeds.


Envy: A Universal Phenomenon:
The Prophet ﷺ also stated that everyone with a blessing attracts envy. This phenomenon holds true across social classes. A wealthy individual will be envied for their possessions, while even two street sweepers might envy each other – one pulling the cart wishing for the other's donkey.


Beyond Envy: The Evil Eye:
While some believe envy can harm the envied, the Quran warns that the true harm falls upon the envier. The concept of the evil eye often relates to envy, but not always. Some believe in a psychic power causing harm, independent of envy. This belief is present across cultures, with rituals to ward off the evil eye through mirrors or specific attire.


The Prophet ﷺ distinguished between the evil eye and superstition. He condemned beliefs like the eclipse signifying a great person's death. He emphasized that eclipses are signs of God's power.


The Desire for Loss:
Imam Mawlud clarifies the core of envy – the desire for someone to lose a blessing, whether material (a house, car, job) or relational (a spouse). Jealousy can manifest in resentment towards a coworker's promotion or the desire for another's marital discord.
Envy arises from the perception of another's fortune. Imam Mawlud warns that an envious person might even attempt to remove the blessing through deceit. However, what one perceives as a blessing could be a disguise for hardship, while a perceived misfortune might hold a hidden benefit.


The Giver of Blessings:
Ni'ma (blessing) is a gift from God, who is also known as al-Mun'im (The Giver of Blessings). Therefore, envy is essentially questioning God's wisdom and fairness in bestowing blessings. It's as if we are saying God made a mistake by not giving us this specific blessing instead.


A Story of Submission:
The story of al-Asma'i, a renowned scholar, offers a powerful example. Invited by a Bedouin, he remarked about the contrast between the host's appearance and his beautiful wife. The woman's response was a reminder to fear God and recognize blessings as gifts from Him, even if they seem unexpected.


Conclusion:
Envy is a harmful emotion that undermines our faith and relationships. By understanding its destructive nature and the Islamic perspective on blessings, we can cultivate gratitude and avoid the pitfalls of envy.