The Sin You're Too Afraid to Admit - Light Upon Light by IslamiCity - Episode 35

Jealousy. It's a feeling most of us recognize but few dare to admit-even to ourselves. That pang in the heart when someone gets the promotion you wanted, the marriage you prayed for, the recognition you feel you deserve. In Arabic, this feeling is called ḥasad (حَسَد), and in the spiritual language of Islam, it is a whisper from the nafs (النَّفْس) that says, "Why them, and not me?"

Even the most devout believers are not immune. We can perform our prayers, fasts, and acts of charity, yet still feel our hearts tighten with envy. This silent poison can quietly erode our spiritual well-being if left unaddressed.

What is Hasad?

Hasad is more than simply wanting what someone else has. It is resenting another's blessings and wishing them away. Allah warns us about this in the Qur'an:

"Or do they envy people for what Allah has given them of His bounty?"
-Surah An-Nisā' (4:54)

At its core, jealousy is a form of discontent with Allah's decree (Qadr). It is the dangerous whisper that questions Allah's wisdom, saying, "Allah, Your distribution of blessings is unfair." The Prophet Muhammad ﷺ made its gravity clear:

"Beware of envy, for envy consumes good deeds just as fire consumes wood." Riyad as-Salihin 1569

Even a single persistent feeling of envy can erode the rewards of our prayers, charity, and fasts-not because Allah punishes us, but because a heart poisoned by envy cannot fully attain sincerity (ikhlāṣ).

Why Does Hasad Happen?

Hasad often arises from two spiritual deficiencies:

1. Lack of Yaqīn (Certainty) in Allah's plan - Doubting that Allah knows what is best for us.
2. Lack of Shukr (Gratitude) - Focusing on what we don't have rather than appreciating what we do.

We compare our hidden struggles to the polished highlight reels of others' lives-successes, happy families, or material possessions-forgetting the Prophet ﷺ's advice:

"Look at those below you, and do not look at those above you, for it is more suitable that you should not belittle the blessings of Allah upon you." Sunan Ibn Majah 4142

Healing from Hasad

Healing the heart requires awareness, intentional effort, and spiritual practice. Here are steps to transform jealousy into growth and gratitude:

1. Al-Iʿtirāf - Honest Admission
   Speak your feelings in private duʿā' to Allah:
   "Ya Allah, I feel jealous of so-and-so. This feeling is ugly and it hurts me. I seek refuge in You from it."

2. Al-ʿIlāj bi Ḍiddih - Cure with Its Opposite
   Actively do good for those you feel envy towards. Pray for them, praise them, help them. The Prophet ﷺ said:
   "Do not have malice against a Muslim; do not be envious of other Muslims; do not abandon a fellow Muslim."
   Transforming negative energy into acts of kindness purifies the heart.

3. Istighfār & Hifdh - Seek Forgiveness and Protection
   Jealousy is a whisper from Shayṭān. Seek refuge in Allah, recite Surah Al-Falaq and Surah An-Nās, and continually say Astaghfirullāh to cleanse your heart.

4. Tafakkur an-Niʿmah - Contemplate Your Own Blessings
   Actively list the countless blessings Allah has given you-faith, health, family, sustenance. Gratitude shrinks envy by focusing the heart on abundance rather than lack.

5. Redirect Energy - From Hasad to Ghibṭah
   Islam distinguishes between destructive jealousy (ḥasad) and positive admiration (ghibṭah). Ghibṭah allows you to celebrate someone else's blessings and pray for similar goodness without wishing their blessings be taken away.

The Heart's Return to Allah

Healing from jealousy is not just about feeling better-it is about returning the heart to Allah. Recognizing that His wisdom is perfect, that blessings for others may be tests, and that what we lack may actually be protection, cultivates a heart that is salīm-sound, whole, and content.

As the Prophet ﷺ taught, a believer's heart should be rooted in gratitude, contentment, and love for fellow believers. The journey from envy to spiritual peace is gradual, but it is achievable with sincere effort, duʿā', and mindfulness.

Duʿā' for Healing the Heart:

"Allāhumma innī aʿūdhu bika min ʿilmin lā yanfaʿ, wa min qalbin lā yakhshaʿ, wa min nafsin lā tashbaʿ, wa min duʿā'in lā yusmaʿ."
O Allah, I seek refuge in You from knowledge that does not benefit, from a heart that does not fear, from a soul that is not satisfied, and from a supplication that is not heard. Sunan an-Nasai 5536

May Allah purify our hearts, protect us from the poison of envy, and fill us with contentment, gratitude, and sincere love for our fellow believers. Āmīn.