Definition: ḤASAD (حسد) translates to ’envy’, ‘malevolence’, or ‘malice’, primarily representing a sentiment of jealousy accompanied by the desire for another’s blessings to be taken away.
Etymology: Originating from the Arabic root “ḥ-s-d”, the term ḤASAD dates back to pre-Islamic Arabia and remains pivotal in Islamic vocabulary due to its ethical and theological significance.
Background: In the Qur’an, ḤASAD is depicted not just as a feeling of enviousness but carries a deeper ethical weight, often aligning envy with spiritual and moral corruption. It appears prominently in two verses:
Sūrah Al-Baqarah (2:103):
“Many of the people of the Book (i.e., Jews and Christians) desire to bring you back to unbelief after you have believed, out of selfish envy, even after the truth hath been clearly shown them.”
Sūrah Al-Falaq (113:5):
“I seek refuge from the evil of the envier when he envies.”
Cultural Differences and Similarities: Different Islamic cultures interpret ḤASAD with various nuances, but universally, it is seen as harmful to both the individual harboring envy and the community. While some cultures offer practical advice to counteract ḤASAD, like prayer (du’a) and seeking God’s guidance (istikhara), others might employ social cautionary tales or folklore to discredit envy.
Synonyms:
- Ghiṭṭ: Another Arabic term connoting jealousy or the ill will borne due to others’ successes.
- Ḥasid: In Hebrew, signifying an envious person.
Antonyms:
- Ni’mah: Blessing or favor, the positive counterpart to envy.
- Faraḥ: Happiness or joy, often sought instead of harboring envy.
Related Terms:
- Riḍa (رضا): Contentment, approving God’s will and finding peace in one’s state, countering the root of envy.
- Ayn (عين): The “evil eye,” believed to emanate from ḤASAD, causing harm due to envy.
Exciting Facts:
- ḤASAD is mentioned explicitly in the Qur’an but also implicitly across numerous Hadiths, underscoring the pervasive danger of envy.
- Traditional Islamic medicine and spiritual practices often include steps to guard against envy’s ill effects.
Quotations from Notable Writers: Imam Al-Ghazali:
“The heart’s diseases are cured by the light of faith as the darkness of night is dispelled by the light of the moon and the stars; ḤASAD within the heart, is healed by the clarity of genuine joy in God’s decrees.”
References:
- Qur’an, Sūrah Al-Baqarah (2:103), Sūrah Al-Falaq (113:5).
- Al-Ghazali, “The Revival of the Religious Sciences.”
Literature and Sources for Further Studies: For deeper exploration of Islamic views on envy:
- “The Revival of the Religious Sciences” by Imam Al-Ghazali.
- “Purification of the Heart” by Shaykh Hamza Yusuf.
- “Ethics of Islam: Principles of Advocacy in Islam” by Khurram Murad.
Inspirational Thought-Provoking Farewell: May your journey uncover the brilliance of equanimity and dissolve any shadows of envy with the spirit of spiritual growth. 🌟
Thank you for this heartening pursuit of knowledge about the insidious yet profound conceptualization of ḤASAD. Until we meet again, may understanding lead you to internal peace and divine contentment.
Warm regards,
Ibrahim Al-Yazid
