Jealousy: A cataclysmic pathway to self-destruction
By: Peer Mohammad Amir Qureshi
Jealousy or envy is a pernicious affliction that ravages the heart and soul, engenders a venomous disposition in its bearer. This potent sentiment, entwined with resentment, anger, hostility, inadequacy, bitterness, and humiliation, pervades all strata of society, sparing neither age nor gender.
Known as Hasad also, envy manifests as an inevitable approach to self-destruction, a notion echoed in the profound words of the Prophet (PBUH): “Beware of jealousy; for verily it destroys good deeds, the way fire destroys the wood.
Ensnared within the suffocating grasp of jealousy, hearts languish in captivity, bound by its merciless hold, while the mind is enshrouded in a mist of covetous musings. This tyrannical power extinguishes the flames of personal evolution, impeding the revelation of one’s genuine talents. The journey towards self-discovery and contentment becomes obscured, as aspirations wane under the weight of comparisons and envy.
Only by severing the fetters of jealousy can one liberate their unparalleled gifts, unlocking the portals to their extraordinary potential.”Envy festers when one becomes incapable of enduring the bounties bestowed upon another by the divine. Whether it be wealth, knowledge, fame, or societal respect, the jealous soul, plagued by the disease of the heart and soul, resorts to backbiting and deceit, spewing venomous words in a futile attempt to tarnish the envied individual’s reputation.
Jealousy, Hasad, assumes various forms, including rational, familial, romantic, power-driven, and sexual, permeating every facet of human existence. Jealousy, like a toxic venom, seeps into the core of one’s existence, eroding the purity of their being. It warps perceptions, distorting reality with its malevolent influence. Its insidious nature spreads like poison, contaminating the bonds of trust and love, leaving behind a trail of broken relationships and shattered hearts. Only by recognizing and confronting this destructive force can one hope to restore harmony and foster genuine connections built on trust and understanding.
Within the teachings of Islam, jealousy stands unequivocally condemned. It not only transgresses the boundaries of righteousness but also possesses the power to corrupt even the most virtuous souls, reminiscent of the fate that befell Satan, once a luminary among the celestial beings. Globally, research illuminates the gender disparities in jealousy’s manifestations, with men exhibiting heightened sensitivity toward sexual infidelity and women fixating on emotional betrayal.
Beyond its detrimental effects on the heart and soul, jealousy, scientifically proven, inflicts harm upon the physical well-being of the envious individual. Dr. Gonzalez-Berrios elucidates the somatic toll exacted by jealousy, precipitating symptoms such as stomach aches, headaches, chest pain, elevated blood pressure, palpitations in the throes of acute anxiety, insomnia, diminished appetite, and compromised immunity. In essence, envy emerges as a cataclysmic force, one that jeopardizes not only our spiritual and emotional equilibrium but also our very physical existence. Let us strive to transcend the shackles of jealousy, embracing instead the virtues of contentment and gratitude, for in doing so, we nurture our souls and elevate our beings.
Jealous individuals, driven by their covetousness, resort to criticism, fault-finding, blame, and even verbal abuse against those whom they envy. History attests to jealousy’s dark allure, serving as a chilling motivation for heinous crimes, including acts of murder. In the context of Islam, envy finds no legitimate grounds except in two specific cases, as elucidated by our noble Prophet: “There is to be no envy except in two cases: (towards) a person whom Allah has granted wisdom, and who rules by this and teaches it to the people, and (towards) a person whom Allah has granted wealth and property along with the power to spend it in the cause of the Truth.” [Al-Bukhari and Muslim]Jealousy, devoid of any remedy, lies beyond the purview of earthly physicians. Only Allah possesses the power to alleviate its grip.
Therefore, let us eternally express gratitude to the Almighty for the blessings bestowed upon us. Let us rejoice in the good fortune of others and beseech Allah to grant us the endurance witnessed in those who are envied. A jealous heart is destined for failure, hindering the attainment of one’s goals. In cases where jealousy festers among colleagues or partners, it nurtures an unhealthy atmosphere of cutthroat competition that must be eradicated. Instead, let us dedicate ourselves to our work, striving to achieve our objectives without succumbing to insecurities that someone may usurp our rightful place.
The Quran reminds us, “Do they envy others for the bounty that Allah has bestowed upon them?” (Quran 4:54). May Allah guide us towards righteousness, shielding us from the allure of wicked deeds?
(The author is a columnist and is pursuing his masters in science)
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