Reasons for Hasad (2/2)

What reaches the Hasid

When earnestly reading and understanding Allah's Book, a person sees the goal of the people of Hasad and transgression and the goals of the righteous. This is seen in the story of Habil (Abel) and Qabil (Cain), and the story of Yusuf (Joseph) and his brothers. It is also seen in the qualities of the true believers who had clean and sound hearts, free of Hasad and malice, as in the story of the friend of Y as in. The deceased said, after his people had killed him:

"It was said (to him when the disbelievers killed him): 'Enter Paradise.' He said: 'Would that my people knew that my Lord (Allah) has forgiven me and made me of the honored ones.'" (Surah Ya-Sin 36:26, 27)

There is no evil more harmful than Hasad. The Hasid receives five punishments even before the envied person is harmed. The first is a constant anguish. The second is a trial that he would not receive a reward for. The third is censure. The fourth is the anger from the Lord. And the fifth is that the gates of support and assistance would be closed for him.

May your enemies not die,

until they see in you what will cause them to grieve.

You are envied because you are blessed.

But it is the perfect, blessed one who is envied. (Poetry)

The Stance of the Muslim towards the Hasid

The Qur'an has delineated in detail, the stance of the Muslim towards the Hasid. This is found in the following Verse:

"And those who repress anger and who pardon men; verily, Allah loves the good-doers." (Surah Al-‘Imran 3:134)

Scholars have said that there are three ranks of those who perform good. These ranks include the beginners, the followers of a middle course and those that are foremost in good deeds.

The first group includes the person that when he is mistreated, he represses his anger and does not call for revenge. This is the lowest rank. The second group contains those who repress their anger and pardon people. This is better for the purity of the heart and good intentions, especially when it is done hoping for a reward from Allah. The third group, are those that repress anger, pardon people and do good deeds. A person from this group would also do good towards others, such as visiting them and giving them gifts.

The Muslim's stance towards Hasad and Hasid requires him, first to return to Allah in repentance from all sins, from what may have touched him through his enemies and because of his sins. Allah has said:

"And whatever of misfortune befalls you, it is because of what your hands have earned. And He pardons much." (Surah Ash-Shura 42:30)

The second stance towards Hasad and Hasid is derived from dependence and reliance on Allah. Allah is sufficient for those that put their trust in Him. This is one of the strongest means for pushing away the harm and injustice of others that a person cannot push himself away.

"And whosoever puts his trust in Allah, then He will suffice him." (Surah At-Talaq 65:3)

The third stance is that of seeking refuge with Allah, Isti'adhah, and reciting Qur'an as well as other prescribed prayers. Allah has commanded His Prophet (Peace be upon him) to seek refuge from the envious when they envy. The fourth is to make supplication, beseeching Allah to sustain and protect him from the evil of his enemies and the envious. The fifth is to be just with the envious and not return the evil with similar evils. The sixth is to be good with the envious. Should the envious increase his harm and transgression, the Muslim is instructed to increase his good treatment, advice and compassion. The seventh is to show courtesy to the envious and treat him in a friendly manner, so that Allah may guide the envious person and protect from his evil.

There is hope in suppressing all enmities,

except the enmity of the envious. (Poetry)