Bismillahir Rahmaanir
Raheem
LETTER
FOURTEEN
Jealousy
Question
As-Salaamu ‘alaykum
Respected Maulana Saheb,
My problem is that I do not like
to see my brother get ahead in good deeds. For example: There is a strong
resentment when I see him engaged in Zikrullah, listening to Islamic lectures,
reading Islamic literature and so forth. Basically, I do not like to see him
doing any good deeds. This gets so strong that many times I do not do good deeds
in the fear that he will see me and start doing the same. For example: I would
want to read Qur`aan Shareef but I would not, in fear that he will see me and
start doing the same.
This is a daily occurrence and I
am thinking that it may be Hasad, even though not related to worldly issues. It
is with ‘A`maal’. Please help me cure this disease.
Reply
Bismillahir Rahmaanir Raheem
Dear brother in Islam,
Wa-alaykumus Salaam wa-Rahmatullahi wa-Barakaatuhu
1.) Yes, it is Hasad (jealousy). Why burn your
heart? You should be happy that your brother is setting a noble example and you
should emulate him, or yourself do good deeds that he will emulate. If he
copies you in good deeds, all those deeds become yours. You will get the reward
for all his deeds as well. SubhanAllah! How generous Allah Ta’ala is!
2.) Hasad
destroys your own good deeds – so ultimately you lose out. Allah Ta’ala grants
Taufeeq and we make Dua that Allah Ta’ala grant us the Taufeeq to also do more
good deeds, with Ikhlaas and acceptance.
Hasad is being unhappy with the
decisions of Allah Ta’ala and what He grants to people. If there is desire for
the same bounties, make Dua that Allah Ta’ala blesses you also. So for yourself,
make Dua to be blessed with such obedience as well.
3.) Be
happy for him. Praise him, within limits, on his efforts. And be grateful that
Allah Ta’ala blessed you with a brother who is good company – and not a brother
who is taking you to sins.
Was-Salaamu alaykum wa-Rahmatullahi wa-Barakaatuhu
Yunus Patel (Maulana)
