Jealousy in Islam

Jealousy stems from a lot of negative emotions. Jealousy usually is not a stand-alone emotion, it is accompanied by many other emotions. Such as anger, frustration, upset, hurt and envy. Allah (s.w.t) warns us against jealousy and what jealousy can bring out of all of us.

Before we get more into jealousy, let’s begin to where it all started. We first hear and learn about jealous when talking about the creation of Prophet Adam (as). Prophet Adam (as) was the first human that Allah (s.w.t) created.

He was made from clay. He was given life by Allah (s.w.t) by a single blow from our Creator. When Prophet Adam (as) was created, Allah (s.w.t) commanded everyone in Jannah to bow before Adam (as).

 وَإِذْ قُلْنَا لِلْمَلَائِكَةِ اسْجُدُوا لِآدَمَ فَسَجَدُوا إِلَّا إِبْلِيسَ أَبَىٰ وَاسْتَكْبَرَ وَكَانَ مِنَ الْكَافِرِينَ

 “And [mention] when We said to the angels, "Prostrate before Adam"; so they prostrated, except for Iblees. He refused and was arrogant and became of the disbelievers.” - The Holy Quran (2:34)

Iblis was the only one to not prostrate before Prophet Adam (as). He was too egotistical and arrogant to obey the command from Allah (s.w.t), his creator and The Creator of everything. Why did he deny and refuse to prostrate before Prophet Adam (as)? Because he claimed that he was better than Prophet Adam (as).

He claimed that he was created from fire while Prophet Adam (as) was created from mere clay. Iblis saw himself superior and refused to bow down to someone who was inferior to him. This, of course, enraged Allah (s.w.t). Because not only did Iblis refuse His command, but Iblis also question His will and His creation. The feeling that came over Iblis concerning Prophet Adam (as) was jealousy. Iblis was prideful and arrogant. He was so overcome with jealousy that Prophet Adam (as) was Allah’s (s.w.t) favourite creation.

 وَلَـقَدۡ كَرَّمۡنَا بَنِىۡۤ اٰدَمَ وَحَمَلۡنٰهُمۡ فِى الۡبَرِّ وَالۡبَحۡرِ وَرَزَقۡنٰهُمۡ مِّنَ الطَّيِّبٰتِ وَفَضَّلۡنٰهُمۡ عَلٰى كَثِيۡرٍ مِّمَّنۡ خَلَقۡنَا تَفۡضِيۡلًا

"And We have certainly honored the children of Adam and carried them on the land and sea and provided for them of the good things and preferred them over much of what We have created, with [definite] preference.” - The Holy Quran (17:70)

What we can learn from this is that jealousy can make us do horrible things. One of which is the most horrible : which is deny the commands of Allah (s.w.t). Jealousy is a natural emotion. It comes over us all the time. But as life goes, it is merely another test from Allah (s.w.t).

He is testing us to see if we will allow ourselves to be overcome by jealousy or if we choose to be reminded of His teachings in the Quran as well as the sunnah of Prophet Muhammad (s.a.w). Jealousy is what got Iblis kicked out of Jannah. It is what got Iblis into so much trouble. Let us not allow jealousy, arrogance and pride stand in the way between us and Jannah. It is not worth it.

The fact of the matter is that we are humans. There are things that will make us jealous. For example, seeing someone we love with somebody else. Or seeing our neighbour with a brand new luxury car. This is bound to make us feel jealous. But what we must do when we sense jealousy is to quickly hold ourselves back. We need to remind ourselves of the story of Iblis and his banishment from Jannah.

Remind yourself that jealousy is hated by Allah (s.w.t) and that He hates those that are prideful. Remind yourself that jealousy could steer you away from Jannah. Remind yourself that jealousy can lead to rage which can lead to regrettable actions that make you sin. Do not feed or fuel the joy of Iblis.

He wants to see our Ummah go astray. But anytime you feel jealousy, think of Allah (s.w.t). Think of how proud He will be to see you turn the other cheek and think of the rewards He will give you for doing good rather than bad. Trust Allah (s.w.t), have tawwakul (trust in Allah) that you will get what you deserve. Allah (s.w.t) knows what lies in every heart. Therefore, He knows if you are trying.

Also, remember that you never know what they had to go through, or what Allah (s.w.t) has taken from them, to receive the thing (that you are jealous of). Allah (s.w.t) answers all our prayers and supplications. We must keep faith, hope and trust in Him. Do not let yourself be tempted by the ways of Iblis.

Keep strong and resist the urge to be jealous of others. We are all one Ummah. We should be happy for each other and be happy that Allah (s.w.t) is answering their prayers. Soon, your prayers (too) shall be answered.

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Article is written by: 

Fatin Najwa binti Daud, is a medical student studying at IMU Malaysia. She is a freelance writer of this blog at Zaahara. Interests include music, art, sports and travel.

-Photos are taken from google images

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