Envy is not justified but in case of two persons only (Hadith Prophet Muhammad ﷺ)

Envy is an emotional state wherein a feeling of discontentment, resentfulness or longing develops due to someone else's possessions, qualities, or luck and desire to have a quality, possession, or other desirable thing belonging to (someone else). No matter how much control do we have over our emotional state, the eerie feeling crops up when we see someone doing better than us or is blessed more than us.

Envy is an emotion which occurs when a person lacks another's quality, skill, achievement, or possession and either desires it or wishes that the other lacked it. Envy can also refer to the wish for another person to lack something one already possesses so as to remove the equality of possession between both parties. (Wikipedia)

There is popular saying that the lawn of the neighbour is always greener. This feeling arises when when does not look at the blessings one has but always wanting to have better than others. Such feelings of discontentment and resentment often leaves with heartburns and may even lead to development of enmity with those doing better than us.

Prophet Muhammad ﷺ has strictly forbade this emotional state and has advised to be always contended for what one has been blessed with. However, he said that envy is justified only in two cases. 

This Hadith is quoted in Ṣaḥīḥ Muslim: Book 6 The Book of Prayer - Travellers / كتاب صلاة المسافرين وقصرها /  Chapter 47: The virtue of one who acts in accordance with the Qur’an and teaches it. And the virtue of one who learns wisdom from Fiqh or other types of knowledge, then acts upon it and teaches it / باب فَضْلِ مَنْ يَقُومُ بِالْقُرْآنِ وَيُعَلِّمُهُ وَفَضْلِ مَنْ تَعَلَّمَ حِكْمَةً مِنْ فِقْهٍ أَوْ غَيْرِهِ فَعَمِلَ بِهَا وَعَلَّمَهَا / as Hadith number # 815a as under:

Salim narrated on the authority of his father (Ibn 'Umar) that the Messenger of Allah (ﷺ) said:

Envy is not justified but in case of two persons only: one who, having been given (knowledge of) the Qur'an by Allah, recites it during the night and day (and also acts upon it) and a man who, having been given wealth by God, spends it during the night and the day (for the welfare of others. seeking the pleasure of the Lord).

Arabic Text:

حَدَّثَنَا أَبُو بَكْرِ بْنُ أَبِي شَيْبَةَ، وَعَمْرٌو النَّاقِدُ، وَزُهَيْرُ بْنُ حَرْبٍ، كُلُّهُمْ عَنِ ابْنِ عُيَيْنَةَ، - قَالَ زُهَيْرٌ حَدَّثَنَا سُفْيَانُ بْنُ عُيَيْنَةَ، - حَدَّثَنَا الزُّهْرِيُّ، عَنْ سَالِمٍ، عَنْ أَبِيهِ، عَنِ النَّبِيِّ صلى الله عليه وسلم قَالَ ‏ "‏ لاَ حَسَدَ إِلاَّ فِي اثْنَتَيْنِ رَجُلٌ آتَاهُ اللَّهُ الْقُرْآنَ فَهُوَ يَقُومُ بِهِ آنَاءَ اللَّيْلِ وَآنَاءَ النَّهَارِ وَرَجُلٌ آتَاهُ اللَّهُ مَالاً فَهُوَ يُنْفِقُهُ آنَاءَ اللَّيْلِ وَآنَاءَ النَّهَارِ ‏"‏ ‏.‏

The hadith about envy refers to the concept of "Ghibtah"—a positive form of envy in Islam, which does not involve wishing harm or deprivation to others but rather aspiring to attain similar blessings. 

Before we explain the Hadith, let us first understand two forms of envy:

• Ghibtah (Positive Envy): Wishing to attain similar blessings without desiring the loss of blessings from the other person.
• Hasad (Malicious Envy): Desiring the deprivation of someone else's blessings, which is prohibited.

As can be seen that it is Hasad (malicious envy) that is dangerous which germinates evil thoughts about others and is thus detested in Islam. On the contrary Ghibtah (Positive Envy) is the feeling of goodness for others and wishing them well without any heartburns, and a desire to be blessed with the same.

You may also like to read our previous post: Prophet Muhammad cautioned against Jealousy and Mutual Estrangement

Explanation in Light of the Quran

• Envy in General: The Quran warns against Hasad (malicious envy), where one desires the removal of blessings from others:

"And from the evil of the envier when he envies." (Surah Al-Falaq, 113:5)

Instead, believers are encouraged to appreciate Allah's blessings on others and strive for similar virtues in a righteous manner.

• Envy in Wealth Used for Good: The Quran emphasizes spending wealth for Allah's sake:

"The example of those who spend their wealth in the way of Allah is like a seed [of grain] that sprouts seven ears, each bearing a hundred grains. And Allah multiplies [His reward] for whom He wills." (Surah Al-Baqarah, 2:261)

In this context, envy for a wealthy person who uses their resources to support charity, build mosques, or help the needy is praiseworthy because it inspires similar acts of righteousness.

• Envy in Knowledge of the Qur'an: The Quran highly values wisdom and knowledge, especially when it is shared:

"Allah will raise those who have believed among you and those who were given knowledge, by degrees." (Surah Al-Mujadilah, 58:11)

Envy for a scholar or someone who has mastered the Qur'an and shares it reflects admiration for their contribution to faith and society. This aligns with the Quranic encouragement to seek knowledge:

"Say, Are those who know equal to those who do not know?" (Surah Az-Zumar, 39:9)

Key Lessons from the Hadith

• Two Ideal Aspirations:
• Wealth spent for righteous causes: A reminder to value wealth as a means of serving humanity and worshiping Allah.
• Knowledge acted upon and shared: Emphasizes the importance of not just learning but also teaching and living by divine wisdom.
• Aspirations for Good Deeds: The hadith encourages believers to compete in virtuous deeds, which aligns with the Quranic injunction: "So race to [all that is] good." (Surah Al-Baqarah, 2:148)

The hadith, thus, teaches that envy is only permissible when it leads to aspiring for virtues like generosity and knowledge. This aligns with the Quranic emphasis on pursuing good deeds, seeking knowledge, and spending wealth for righteous causes. It encourages Muslims to admire and emulate these qualities, fostering personal growth and societal benefit. And strive to develop these two qualities within so as to act as aspiration for others.

May Allāh (سبحانه و تعالى‎) help us understand Qur'ān and follow the Sunnah of Prophet Muhammad ﷺ, which is embodiment of commandments of Allah contained in the Qur'ān. May Allah help us to be like the ones He loves and let our lives be lived helping others and not making others' lives miserable or unlivable. May all our wrong doings, whether intentional or unintentional, be forgiven before the angel of death knocks on our door. 

وَمَا عَلَيۡنَاۤ اِلَّا الۡبَلٰغُ الۡمُبِيۡنُ‏ 

(36:17) and our duty is no more than to clearly convey the Message.”

That is Our duty is only to convey to you the message that Allah has entrusted us with. Then it is for you to accept it or reject it. We have not been made responsible for making you accept it forcibly, and if you do not accept it, we shall not be seized in consequence of your disbelief, you will yourselves be answerable for your actions on Day of Resurrection.

May Allah forgive me if my posts ever imply a piety far greater than I possess. I am most in need of guidance.

Reading the Qur'ān should be a daily obligation of a Muslim - Reading it with translation will make it meaningful. But reading its Exegesis / Tafsir will make you understand it fully. It will also help the Muslims to have grasp over social issues and their answers discussed in the Qur'an and other matter related to inter faith so that they are able to discuss issues with non-Muslims with authority based on refences from Qur'an.

Note: When we mention God in our posts, we mean One True God, we call Allah in Islam, with no associates. Allah is the Sole Creator of all things, and that Allah is all-powerful and all-knowing. Allah has no offspring, no race, no gender, no body, and is unaffected by the characteristics of human life.

Please refer to our exclusive reference page Collection of Hadiths of Prophet Muhammad ﷺ about As Salat for more Sunnah and Hadith attributed to Prophet Muhammad exclusive to As Salat.

Please refer to our exclusive reference page Etiquettes taught by Prophet Muhammad ﷺ for more etiquettes attributed to Prophet Muhammad.

You may refer to our reference: page: Supplications attributed to Prophet Muhammad ﷺ for more prophetic supplications

Please refer to our reference page: Oft asked Queries from Prophet Muhammad ﷺ for more Hadiths on the subject

For Hadiths on the subject, please refer to our reference page: Collection of Hadiths attributed to Prophet Muhammad ﷺ about Sadaqah صدقة  / Voluntary Charity

Please refer to our reference page: Collection of Hadiths of Prophet Muhammad ﷺ  for more Hadiths on the General Subjects.

Please refer to our reference page: Collection of Hadiths of Prophet Muhammad ﷺ about As Salat - Prayers

Please refer to our reference page: Collection of Hadiths of Prophet Muhammad ﷺ about Saum - Fasting in Ramadan for more Hadiths on the subject

Please refer to our reference page: Collection of Hadiths of Prophet Muhammad ﷺ about Warning and Cautions for more Hadiths on the subject

Please refer to our reference page: Collections of Hadiths of Prophet Muhammad ﷺ about Rewards for more Hadiths on the subject

Please refer to our reference page: Hadiths of Prophet Muhammad ﷺ related to Muslim Women  for more Hadiths on the status of women in Islam.

Please refer to our reference page: Collection of Hadith e Qudsi (حدیثِ قُدسی) attributed to Prophet Muhammad ﷺ  for more Hadith e Qudsi.

Please refer to our reference page: Collection of Hadiths of Prophet Muhammad ﷺ about Hajj – the Fifth Pillar of Islam to know more about Hadiths related to Hajj.

Please refer to our reference page: Collection of Hadiths of Prophet Muhammad ﷺ about Sabr / Patience to read more Hadiths on the subject.

Please refer to our reference page: Collection of Sunnah of Prophet Muhammad ﷺ to read more Sunnah attributed to Prophet Muhammad ﷺ.

Please refer to our reference page: Hadiths of Prophet Muhammad ﷺ about Self-Reliance with Dignity and Value of Honest Labour to read more related Hadiths of Prophet Muhammad ﷺ.

For more hadiths on varying subjects, refer to our reference page: Sunnah and Hadith of Prophet Muhammad ﷺ to know more about Hadiths and Sunnah of Prophet of Allah. You may also refer to our Reference Pages for knowing more about Islam and Qur'ān.

Photo | Source of Hadith | Help taken from ChatGPT for expanding meaning of the Hadith

Disclaimer: The material for this post has been collected from the references as given above. If anyone differs with the material contained in this post, one may consult the references and their authors.  If someone has more material about the subject, he/she is most welcome to share in the comments box to make the post all encompassing.

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Believers! Do not disparage Allah's favors (Hadith Prophet Muhammad ﷺ)

Man has always been ungrateful. No matter how much, he is always eyeing the possessions and blessings on others rather than his own. In fact most of the times he is sandwiched between envy and contentment. Let us define these two opposite poles and then share a very meaningful advice by Prophet Muhammad ﷺ:

Envy is a negative emotional response characterized by a feeling of discontent or resentment aroused by someone else's possessions, qualities, achievements, or status. It often involves a desire to have what another person has, coupled with the wish that they would lose it.

Contentment is a state of inner peace and satisfaction with what one has, without constantly longing for more or feeling deprived. It involves being happy with Allah’s decree and finding joy in the present circumstances. 

Prophet Muhammad ﷺ has always advised his companions and the would be followers to be always thankful and contended of what Allah has blessed them with, rather than envying the position and blessings of others and remaining uncontended all the time.

This Hadith is quoted in Ṣaḥīḥ Muslim: Book 55 The Book of Zuhd and Softening of Hearts /   كتاب الزهد والرقائق/  as Hadith number # 2963c as under:

Abu Huraira reported Allah's Messenger (ﷺ) as saying:

Look at those who stand at a lower level than you but don't look at those who stand at a higher level than you, for that is better-suited that you do not disparage Allah's favors.

In the chain narrated by Abu Mu'awiya's he said: Upon you.

Arabic Text:

وَحَدَّثَنِي زُهَيْرُ بْنُ حَرْبٍ، حَدَّثَنَا جَرِيرٌ، ح وَحَدَّثَنَا أَبُو كُرَيْبٍ، حَدَّثَنَا أَبُو مُعَاوِيَةَ، ح وَحَدَّثَنَا أَبُو بَكْرِ بْنُ أَبِي شَيْبَةَ، - وَاللَّفْظُ لَهُ - حَدَّثَنَا أَبُو مُعَاوِيَةَ، وَوَكِيعٌ، عَنِ الأَعْمَشِ، عَنْ أَبِي صَالِحٍ، عَنْ أَبِي هُرَيْرَةَ، قَالَ قَالَ رَسُولُ اللَّهِ صلى الله عليه وسلم ‏"‏ انْظُرُوا إِلَى مَنْ أَسْفَلَ مِنْكُمْ وَلاَ تَنْظُرُوا إِلَى مَنْ هُوَ فَوْقَكُمْ فَهُوَ أَجْدَرُ أَنْ لاَ تَزْدَرُوا نِعْمَةَ اللَّهِ ‏"‏ ‏.‏ قَالَ أَبُو مُعَاوِيَةَ ‏"‏ عَلَيْكُمْ ‏"‏

This hadith emphasizes the importance of maintaining gratitude and contentment by shifting one’s perspective. It teaches that by focusing on those who are less fortunate, we can better appreciate Allah’s blessings in our own lives, thereby avoiding ingratitude and discontent. This message aligns closely with the teachings of the Qur’an, which frequently instructs believers to practice gratitude and be mindful of Allah’s favors.

Key Points of the Hadith:

• Look at Those Less Fortunate: The Prophet Muhammad (ﷺ) advises looking at those who are at a lower level than oneself in terms of worldly possessions, wealth, status, or health. This perspective helps one realize their own blessings and reduces the tendency to feel envious or dissatisfied.
• Avoid Comparing with Those More Fortunate: The hadith warns against constantly comparing oneself with those who have more. Such comparisons often lead to feelings of inadequacy, envy, and a lack of appreciation for what one already possesses.
• Promoting Gratitude: The primary aim of this advice is to nurture gratitude towards Allah. Recognizing one's own blessings in contrast to those who have less helps prevent disparaging Allah’s favors, thus fostering a positive and thankful attitude.

Explanation in Light of the Qur’an:

The guidance in this hadith reflects key teachings from the Qur’an, where Allah frequently calls upon believers to be grateful, avoid envy, and recognize His blessings. Here are some relevant verses:

• Gratitude as a Key Virtue: The Qur’an emphasizes gratitude as a fundamental quality that brings divine favor:

“And [remember] when your Lord proclaimed, ‘If you are grateful, I will surely increase you [in favor]; but if you deny, indeed, My punishment is severe.’” (Surah Ibrahim 14:7)

This verse underscores the importance of being grateful. The hadith’s advice to look at those less fortunate helps cultivate this gratitude, ensuring believers do not overlook the blessings they have.

• Avoiding Covetousness and Excessive Worldly Aspirations: The Qur’an cautions against yearning for the worldly gains of others:

“And do not extend your eyes toward that by which We have given enjoyment to [some] categories of them, [its being but] the splendor of worldly life by which We test them. But the provision of your Lord is better and more enduring.” (Surah Ta-Ha 20:131)

This verse echoes the hadith’s teaching by advising against longing for what others have. Worldly possessions are temporary tests, and focusing on them can distract believers from what truly matters—faith, contentment, and thankfulness.

• Contentment and Recognizing Allah’s Provision: Allah reminds believers to find contentment in His provision:

“So eat from what Allah has provided for you, [which is] lawful and good. And be grateful for the favor of Allah, if it is [indeed] Him that you worship.” (Surah An-Nahl 16:114)

The instruction to be grateful for what Allah provides aligns perfectly with the hadith’s message. Recognizing the sufficiency of one’s own blessings leads to a life of contentment and prevents ingratitude.

• Gratitude as a Protection Against Disparaging Allah’s Blessings: By appreciating what we have and not focusing on what others possess, we protect ourselves from belittling or being dissatisfied with Allah’s favors. The Qur’an says:

“And He gave you from all you asked of Him. And if you should count the favor of Allah, you could not enumerate them. Indeed, mankind is [generally] most unjust and ungrateful.” (Surah Ibrahim 14:34)

This verse reflects human nature’s tendency towards ingratitude, which the hadith aims to counteract by urging believers to appreciate their blessings.

In light of the above explanation, we conclude that this hadith teaches a profound lesson in contentment and gratitude, which is mirrored in the Qur’anic guidance. By focusing on those less fortunate, believers can develop a deeper appreciation for Allah’s favors, avoid the pitfalls of envy, and maintain a grateful heart. This perspective fosters a balanced, peaceful mindset, rooted in recognizing and valuing the countless blessings bestowed by Allah.

May Allāh (سبحانه و تعالى‎) help us understand Qur'ān and follow the Sunnah of Prophet Muhammad ﷺ, which is embodiment of commandments of Allah contained in the Qur'ān. May Allah help us to be like the ones He loves and let our lives be lived helping others and not making others' lives miserable or unlivable. May all our wrong doings, whether intentional or unintentional, be forgiven before the angel of death knocks on our door. 

وَمَا عَلَيۡنَاۤ اِلَّا الۡبَلٰغُ الۡمُبِيۡنُ‏ 

(36:17) and our duty is no more than to clearly convey the Message.”

That is Our duty is only to convey to you the message that Allah has entrusted us with. Then it is for you to accept it or reject it. We have not been made responsible for making you accept it forcibly, and if you do not accept it, we shall not be seized in consequence of your disbelief, you will yourselves be answerable for your actions on Day of Resurrection.

May Allah forgive me if my posts ever imply a piety far greater than I possess. I am most in need of guidance.

Reading the Qur'ān should be a daily obligation of a Muslim - Reading it with translation will make it meaningful. But reading its Exegesis / Tafsir will make you understand it fully. It will also help the Muslims to have grasp over social issues and their answers discussed in the Qur'an and other matter related to inter faith so that they are able to discuss issues with non-Muslims with authority based on refences from Qur'an.

Note: When we mention God in our posts, we mean One True God, we call Allah in Islam, with no associates. Allah is the Sole Creator of all things, and that Allah is all-powerful and all-knowing. Allah has no offspring, no race, no gender, no body, and is unaffected by the characteristics of human life.

Please refer to our reference page: Collection of Hadiths of Prophet Muhammad ﷺ about Warning and Cautions for more Hadiths on the subject

For more hadiths on varying subjects, refer to our reference page: Sunnah and Hadith of Prophet Muhammad ﷺ to know more about Hadiths and Sunnah of Prophet of Allah. You may also refer to our Reference Pages for knowing more about Islam and Qur'ān.

Photo | Source of Hadith | Help taken from ChatGPT for expanding meaning of the Hadith

Disclaimer: The material for this post has been collected from the references as given above. If anyone differs with the material contained in this post, one may consult the references and their authors.  If someone has more material about the subject, he/she is most welcome to share in the comments box to make the post all encompassing.

If you like Islam: My Ultimate Decision, and to keep yourself updated on all our latest posts to know more about Islam, follow us on Facebook. You may also refer to our Facebook  Group Islam: The Ultimate Truth for more on Islam and Da'wah.

Follow @IslamUltimate

Please share this page to your friends and family members through Facebook, WhatsApp or any means on social media so that they can also be benefited by it and better understand Islam and the Qur'ān - Insha Allah (Allah Willing) you shall be blessed with the best of both worlds.

Read More