Signs of Hasad and Its Cure

 

Hassad, commonly translated as envy, a destructive spiritual disease that harms the one who harbors it more than the one who is envied. The Prophet ﷺ described it as a fire that consumes wood, emphasizing the destructive nature of envy on the human soul.

What is Hassad?

Hassad is more than simply feeling annoyed by someone else's blessings. It manifests in three levels:

1. Mild Hassad: Feeling unhappy or uncomfortable when someone else is blessed. For example, you hear of a colleague's promotion and feel discontent.
2. Moderate Hassad: Wishing that the person loses their blessings so that you might gain them.
3. Severe Hassad: Wishing that the person loses their blessings regardless of who benefits from it. This level is the most dangerous, consuming the envious person with grief and frustration.

Hassad is a major sin because it reflects a lack of trust in Allah's justice. By envying others, we implicitly accuse Allah of being unjust: "Why did He give it to them and not to me?"

Allah says in the Qur'an:
"We have apportioned their livelihood in this life and elevated some of them in rank above others." (Surah An-Nahl, 16:71)

This divine wisdom ensures the balance of society-if everyone had the same wealth or status, essential roles and services would be neglected.

Signs of Hassad

Some signs that a person is suffering from hassad include:

• Feeling annoyed when others are praised.
• Dismissing or ignoring the good deeds of others.
• Taking pleasure in hearing bad news about others.

It is natural for everyone to feel some level of envy, but it becomes dangerous when acted upon or spoken about.

Reasons for Hassad

The main causes of hassad include:

• Arrogance (Kibr): Feeling superior to others and unable to bear their success.
• Enmity: Personal grudges or unresolved conflicts can fuel envy.

Islam teaches that a true believer loves for their brother what they love for themselves.

Permissible Forms of Envy

Not all envy is sinful. Islam allows righteous envy in two cases:

1. Wishing to have someone's knowledge of the Qur'an and the ability to act upon it.
2. Wishing to emulate someone who spends their wealth in charity.

The key difference is that you wish to gain similar virtues or blessings without harming the other person or wishing them loss.

Cures for Hassad

For the person suffering from hassad:

1. Remind yourself of Allah's greatness and wisdom.
2. Fight the feeling of envy internally and, even though difficult, make dua for the person you envy.
3. Reflect that envy harms you more than the person being envied.

For the person being envied:

1. Seek protection through regular adhkar (morning and evening remembrances).
2. Limit public displays of wealth or blessings to reduce opportunities for envy.
3. Use prophetic practices like ruqyah (spiritual remedies) and dua for protection.

The Prophet ﷺ said that envious people experience misery in every stage of life-gatherings, solitude, death, resurrection, and in the Hellfire.

Practical Advice

• Be mindful of what you share publicly, especially online. Overexposing blessings can attract the evil eye or envy.
• Teach children protective practices, such as saying "MashaAllah" when seeing something good.
• Use supplications to safeguard family and home from envy.

Hassad is a subtle but dangerous spiritual disease. Left unchecked, it can destroy our inner peace and relationships. Through awareness, self-discipline, prayer, and supplication, we can purify our hearts and protect ourselves and our loved ones from its harmful effects.

May Allah protect our hearts from envy, shield our families from the evil eye, and make our homes filled with love, mercy, and tranquility. May our last deeds be righteous, and our final words be prayers upon the Prophet ﷺ.