Summary of jealousy in easy words

Dear Islamic brothers! From the aforementioned definition, we come to know that if a person sees another person’s blessing and has a desire for that blessing to be taken away from him and given to himself instead, then this is jealousy. For example, if a person wishes, because of hatred, that so-and-so famous or respected person be disgraced and that he becomes famous instead, this desire is termed as jealousy. Similarly, if someone wishes that so-and-so wealthy person becomes poor and that he becomes wealthy instead, this type of wish is also an example of jealousy. However, ‘Ghibtah (Rashk)’ is permissible, and this is to desire a blessing in such a way that the blessing remains with other people and he is also blessed with this blessing, i.e. he does not desire the downfall of others but has a desire for his own progress. This is known as ‘Ghibtah’ or ‘Tanaafus’ (i.e., envy that is free from malice). (Tafseer Kabeer, vol. 1, p. 649, summarised| Tafseer Na’eemi, vol. 1, p. 614)

Remember! Feeling jealous and then committing sins like lying, tale-telling, backbiting and disgracing others due to it, are Haram acts leading to Hell. Whilst condemning those who are jealous, Allah عَزَّوَجَلَّ states in part 1, Surah al-Baqarah, verse 109:

وَدَّ كَثِیْرٌ مِّنْ اَهْلِ الْكِتٰبِ لَوْ یَرُدُّوْنَكُمْ مِّنْۢ بَعْدِ اِیْمَانِكُمْ كُفَّارًا ۚۖ-حَسَدًا مِّنْ عِنْدِ اَنْفُسِهِمْ مِّنْۢ بَعْدِ مَا تَبَیَّنَ لَهُمُ الْحَقُّۚ-فَاعْفُوْا وَ اصْفَحُوْا حَتّٰى یَاْتِیَ اللّٰهُ بِاَمْرِهٖؕ-اِنَّ اللّٰهَ عَلٰى كُلِّ شَیْءٍ قَدِیْرٌ(۱۰۹)

Many People of the Book desired if only they could turn you to disbelief after faith out of (sheer) jealousy of their hearts; (even) after this; that the truth has completely manifested upon them, so leave and overlook (them) until Allah issues His command; undoubtedly, Allah is Powerful over everything.

[Kanz-ul-Iman (translation of Quran)] (Part 2, Surah Al-Baqarah, verse 109)