Even The Companions are jealous of this kind of person



Nearly 100 years ago, a philosopher and mathematician Bertrand Russell, warned of the social dangers of widespread envy. What is envy? In short, Envy is the desire to have what others have. It could be harmful whenever it leads us to hurt others. And for centuries, society understands that this envy or jealousy isn't a good thing.

But do you know that Islam permits a certain kind of Envy? Long before recent studies distinguish envy into benign and malicious, Ibn Mas'ud (may Allah be pleased with him) reported:

The Prophet (ﷺ) said, "Envy is permitted only in two cases: A man whom Allah gives wealth, and he disposes of it rightfully, and a man to whom Allah gives a knowledge which he applies and teaches it." [Al-Bukhari and Muslim]

This hadith talks about ghibtah or benign envy that's allowed in Islam. It's when someone desires to have blessings that others have without wishing that blessings be taken from theirs. And from the Hadith, we can comprehend how excellent both kinds of person in Islam. We are allowed to be jealous of them.

This is in line with the story of the companions of the Prophet reported by Abu Hurairah:
"The poor amongst the emigrants came to the Messenger of Allah (ﷺ) and said, 'The possessors of great wealth have obtained the highest ranks and the lasting bliss.' He (the Holy Prophet) said, 'How is that?' They said, ' They pray as we pray, and they observe fast as we observe fast, and they give charity but we do not give charity , and they set slaves free but we do not set slaves free. ' Upon this, the Messenger of Allah (ﷺ) said, 'Shall I not teach you something by which you will catch upon those who have preceded you, and get ahead of those who come after you, only those who do as you do being more excellent than you?' They said, 'Yes, Messenger of Allah.' He (the Holy Prophet) said, 'Extol Allah, declare His Greatness, and Praise Him thirty-three times after every prayer.' Abu Salih said: The poor amongst the emigrants returned to the Messenger of Allah (may peace upon him) saying, 'Our brethren, the possessors, of property have heard what we have done and they did the same.' So the Messenger of Allah (ﷺ) said, ' This is Allah's Grace which He gives to whom He wishes. '" [Sahih Muslim, 595]

Subhaan Allaah. There are many things we can learn from this hadith. The companions, both the poor and the rich were so obsessed to do every kind of worship even if it is voluntary or not obliged to them. If the poor companions were excited to catch up with the rich, why won't us strive even harder with the wealth Allah has given us knowing that our rank in worship and piety is far below the poor companions?

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