Jealousy is a feeling every human experiences at some point in life. Whether it’s seeing someone’s success, beauty, wealth, or happiness, the heart sometimes whispers, “Why don’t I have that?” In Islam, jealousy — called hasad — is something we are warned about because it can harm our heart, damage relationships, and distance us from Allah’s blessings.
Let’s explore what Islam teaches about jealousy, how to protect ourselves from it, and how to purify the heart, insha’Allah.
Understanding Jealousy in Islam
Jealousy (hasad) in Islam means wishing that someone loses a blessing that Allah has given them. This type of jealousy is harmful and sinful because it goes against trust in Allah’s wisdom and mercy.
Allah is the One who gives wealth, beauty, success, and status. When a person becomes jealous, it is as if they are questioning Allah’s decision.
The Prophet Muhammad ﷺ taught us that jealousy can destroy a person’s good deeds. He said:
“Beware of jealousy, for it destroys good deeds as fire destroys wood.”
(Abu Dawood)
This shows that jealousy is not just a feeling — it’s a spiritual sickness that must be healed.
The Difference Between Jealousy and Admiration
Not all jealousy is the same. Islam teaches us that there are two types:
1. Natural Admiration (Ghayrah / Ghibtah)
This is when you see someone blessed and think:
“I wish I also had that, without them losing it.”
This is allowed and even encouraged. It motivates us to improve ourselves and ask Allah for similar blessings.
2. Harmful Jealousy (Hasad)
This is when you feel upset inside and wish the blessing would go away from the other person.
This is haram, because it hurts your heart and harms others.
Why Is Jealousy So Dangerous?
1. It weakens your Iman
Jealousy means you are unhappy with what Allah decided for you. True believers trust that whatever Allah gives is best for them.
2. It destroys your peace
A jealous heart is never satisfied. It always compares, always complains, always hurts.
Jealousy doesn’t harm the other person — it destroys the jealous person first.
3. It can lead to sin
Jealousy can make people gossip, lie, hurt others, or behave without kindness. Shaytan uses jealousy to push the heart toward sin.
4. It harms relationships
Families, friendships, and communities fall apart because of jealousy. It breaks trust and love.
5. Shaytan became cursed because of jealousy
Iblis refused to bow to Adam (AS) because he was jealous. That jealousy led him to arrogance, disobedience, and eternal loss.
How to Remove Jealousy From the Heart
Islam gives beautiful ways to protect the heart and cure jealousy:
✅ 1. Say “MashAllah” and make dua for the person
When you see someone blessed, say:
“MashAllah, TabarakAllah.”
And make dua for them. This breaks jealousy instantly.
✅ 2. Remember that Allah decides everything
Every blessing has a purpose. What is written for you will reach you — no one can take it away.
✅ 3. Focus on your own blessings
Jealousy blinds us to our own gifts. Count your blessings daily — health, family, food, shelter, peace — these are priceless.
✅ 4. Make dua for a pure heart
Say:
“O Allah, remove jealousy from my heart.”
Allah loves those who ask Him to purify their hearts.
✅ 5. Avoid comparing your life to others
Social media can make jealousy worse. Limit comparison, and remember that people only show their “best moments.”
✅ 6. Recite Surah Al-Falaq
Allah teaches us to seek protection from “the envy of the jealous one.”
Surah Al-Falaq protects us from both feeling jealous and being harmed by others’ jealousy.
What If You Feel Someone Is Jealous of You?
Islam teaches calmness and protection:
Recite Ayat ul-Kursi
Recite Surah Al-Falaq and An-Naas
Say Bismillah often
Keep your blessings private when needed
And trust that Allah protects you better than anyone else can.
Conclusion
Jealousy is a powerful emotion, but Islam gives us the tools to overcome it. A heart filled with gratitude, contentment, and trust in Allah has no room for jealousy. When we purify our hearts, we become happier, more peaceful, and closer to Allah.
Let’s strive to be people who celebrate others’ blessings and trust Allah’s plan for our own lives, insha’Allah.
Learn More About Purifying the Heart 🌿
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They offer premium Islamic courses for all ages — helping you strengthen your heart, manners, and connection with Allah, step by step, insha’Allah.
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JazakAllahu Khairan for reading. May Allah purify our hearts and fill them with peace and gratitude. Assalamu Alaikum wa Rahmatullahi wa Barakatuh