Hasad? Is it Worth it?

Anas Ibn Malik (radhi allahu anhu) reported that he and other companions were sitting with the Messenger (sallallahu alaihi wa-sallam), who said: "A man from the people of Paradise will enter now." And a man from al-Ansar entered, with his beard dripping with water from Wudhu (ablution), and holding his sandals in his left hand.

The following day, the Prophet (sallallahu alaihi wa-sallam) said the same thing and the same man entered.

On the third day, the Prophet (sallallahu alaihi wa-sallam) again repeated his statement and the same man entered with water dripping and holding his sandals.

When the Prophet (sallallahu alaihi wa-sallam) left, Abdullah Ibn Amr Ibn al-As (radhi allahu anhu) followed the man and said: 'I quarreled with my father and I swore I would not go to him for three days and night. Would you shelter me for these days?' the man replied: 'Yes.'

Anas said: 'Abdullah said that he stayed with this man for three nights and he did not see him praying at night, but every time he moved and changed position in bed he would remember Allah saying, 'Allahu Akbar' Until Salat-ul-Fajr."

Abdullah said: 'I didn't hear anything from him but good. When the three nights had passed, I said: 'O slave of Allah! I really didn't abandon my father nor was I angry with him. But, I heard the Messenger of Allah speaking of you on three separate occasions, the Prophet had said that a man from the people of Paradise would enter, and you were the one to enter on all the three times. So, I wanted to stay with you to see what you do so that I could follow you. But I have not seen you doing much. So what is that you do for Allah's Messenger (sallallahu alaihi wa-sallam) to say what he had said?'

The man replied: 'It is nothing more than what you saw.' When it was time to leave, he called me back and said: 'Yes, it is nothing more than what you saw, except that I have no place in myself for ill-intentions or Hasad towards any Muslim and what Allah has given them.' Abdullah said: 'This is what has made you deserving of the praise and this is what we cannot do." [Musnad Ahmad]

Hasad (jealousy and envy) is among the most destructive emotions or feeling which a man may have towards his fellow human being. It causes him to wish evil for others and to be happy when misfortune befalls them. 

The Prophet (sallallahu alaihi wa-sallam) warned against envy by comparing it to fire that completely burns the wood. He (sallallahu alaihi wa-sallam) said: "Beware of jealousy, for verily it destroys good deeds the way fire destroys wood." [Abu Dawood]

 Let us reflect upon some of the causes and cures of Hasad so that we can save ourselves and purify our hearts from this disease, inshAllah!

Causes of Hasad:

1) Ingratitude and Discontentment:

Not being grateful to the blessing that Allah has given us and keeping an eye on others' blessings.

2) Arrogance:

Thinking oneself to be more deserving of the blessings which the others have.

3) Lack of Trust in Allah:

Not trusting in Allah and so not making dua to Allah for the blessings we want.

4) Lack of Self-Confidence/Self-Esteem:

Thinking ourselves incapable of earning that blessing with our efforts.

Cures of Hasad:

1) Sincere Repentance: 

Acknowledging ill-feelings or Hasad in one's heart, seeking Allah's forgiveness and work for eliminating it.

2) Be grateful for Allah's blessings:

Focus on the blessings which Allah has given us and be grateful for them.

Abu Hurairah (May allah be pleased with him) reported: Messenger of Allah (sallallahu 'alaihi wa sallam) said, "Look at those who are inferior to you and do not look at those who are superior to you, for this will keep you from belittling Allah's Favour to you."[Al-Bukhari and Muslim].

3) Trust in Allah's decree and make dua to Allah:

Make dua to Allah swt for the blessings you want and have trust in Him that He will grant us those blessings and make situation better for us.

4) Strive for the blessing:

Have confidence in  our abilities and make efforts to acquire the blessings we want.

5) Make dua for the person for whom we may have feelings of hasad:

We should make this dua to allah whenever we feel any ill-feelings (envy, jealousy, hatred, grudge) for our brother/sister and inshAllah we will see these feelings fading away from our heart.

رَبَّنَا اغْفِرْ لَنَا وَلِإِخْوَانِنَا الَّذِينَ سَبَقُونَا بِالْإِيمَانِ وَلَا تَجْعَلْ فِي قُلُوبِنَا غِلًّا لِّلَّذِينَ آمَنُوا رَبَّنَا إِنَّكَ رَءُوفٌ رَّحِيْم

 "Our Lord, forgive us and our brothers who preceded us in faith and put not in our hearts [any] resentment toward those who have believed. Our Lord, indeed You are Kind and Merciful." [Hashr: 10]