Called “Hasad” in Urdu, jealousy is different from “Rashk” (competition in goodness). When you do Rushk, it means you want to be fortunate (possess wealth, qualities and luck) like others through fair and positive means. On the other hand, jealousy refers to one of the most destructive emotions which you may have towards your fellow human beings. It causes you to wish evil for others and makes you happy when adversity befalls them. Here you will learn about the consequences of Hasad in the light of the Noble Quran and Hadith on jealousy.

Jealousy in the Light of Islam:

While Islam allows competition in goodness, it forbids hatred and wishing bad for others, which amounts to jealousy.

The Holy Prophet Hazrat Muhammad (May peace and blessings of Allah be upon Him) forbade Hasad and warned against its negative consequence. On one occasion, He (ﷺ) even compared it to fire that completely burns the wood. He said, “Beware of jealousy, for verily it destroys good deeds the way fire destroys wood.” (Abu Dawood)

Hasad is such a dangerous feeling that Allah Almighty has revealed verses of the Noble Quran to be recited as a Dua for protection against the jealous. Chapter 113 (Surah Al-Falak) of the Holy Scripture is particularly notable in this regard. Here is the translation:

“Say, "I seek refuge in the Lord of daybreak from the evil of that which He created; and from the evil of darkness when it settles; and from the evil of the blowers in knots; and from the evil of an envier when he envies."