How Should We Understand the Hadith Permitting Envy of One with Knowledge?

Answered by Shaykh Faraz Rabbani

Question

How do we understand the prophetic hadith that it is permissible to be envious of someone who has knowledge?

Answer

In the Name of Allah Most Merciful and Compassionate.

The Reality of Envy (Hasad)

Envy, as defined by scholars such as Imam Nawawi and Ibn ‘Allan al-Bakri, is to wish for another person to lose a blessing.

This is the essence of hasad. It may arise because one wishes to possess that blessing oneself, but even merely wishing that another lose their blessing is considered envy, whether or not one desires it for oneself.

The Prophet (Allah bless him and give him peace) warned against this, saying:

“Beware of envy, for envy consumes good deeds like fire consumes wood.” [Abu Dawud]

Thus, envy is a sin. It is a major sin and one of the destructive diseases of the heart. If one finds envy within themselves, it is a sign of a sickness in the heart that must be treated.

Permissible Envy (Ghibta)

There is, however, a type of “envy” that is permitted, though it is not true envy in reality. It only shares one aspect of its meaning.

This is known as ghibta, or permitted envy. It refers to seeking what another has without wishing in any way that they lose that blessing. Not its removal, not its decrease, nor even its delay.

However, one must exercise caution, as this state can easily slip into actual envy if the heart is not carefully guarded.

The Hadith of Permissible Envy

The Messenger of Allah (Allah bless him and give him peace) said:

“There is no envy except in two cases. A man whom Allah has granted the Quran, so he upholds it by night and by day. And a person whom Allah has granted wealth, and he spends from it by night and by day.” [Bukhari; Muslim]

This first refers to one whom Allah has granted either memorization of the Quran or knowledge of the religion. Such a person lives by this knowledge, worshipping Allah by night and acting upon and teaching it by day.

The other refers to one who spends consistently in the way of Allah, whenever the opportunity arises, without hesitation.

In both cases, the meaning is to wish to be like such individuals, without desiring in any way that they lose what Allah has granted them.

Competing in Good

This meaning is affirmed by the Quranic call:

“In that, let those who would compete, compete.” [Quran, 83:26]

This is a praiseworthy competition. It is not about diminishing others, but about striving to attain similar good.

Guarding the Heart

When one feels this aspiration upon seeing someone blessed with knowledge or righteous action, one should safeguard the heart by first praying for that person’s growth.

Then one should ask Allah for similar good.

At the same time, one should recognize that the treasures of Allah are vast and overflowing. One should not tie one’s aspiration to what a specific person has, but rather turn directly to Allah.

The Prophet (Allah bless him and give him peace) said:

“Ask Allah from His bounty, for indeed Allah loves to be asked. The best of worship is waiting for the divine opening.” [Tirmidhi]

This means to remain patient, steadfast, and content, without outward or inward objection to Allah, while awaiting ease and relief.

Striving for What Truly Matters

The believer should direct their concern toward what truly matters: the good of this life and the next, especially matters of the hereafter.

This is the proper arena of competition and striving.

And Allah is the giver of success and facilitation.
[Shaykh] Faraz Rabbani

Shaykh Faraz Rabbani is a recognized specialist scholar in the Islamic sciences, having studied under leading scholars from around the world. He is the Founder and Executive Director of SeekersGuidance.

Shaykh Faraz stands as a distinguished figure in Islamic scholarship. His journey in seeking knowledge is marked by dedication and depth. He spent ten years studying under some of the most revered scholars of our times. His initial studies took place in Damascus. He then continued in Amman, Jordan.

In Damascus, he was privileged to learn from the late Shaykh Adib al-Kallas. Shaykh Adib al-Kallas was renowned as the foremost theologian of his time. Shaykh Faraz also studied under Shaykh Hassan al-Hindi in Damascus. Shaykh Hassan is recognized as one of the leading Hanafi jurists of our era.

Upon completing his studies, Shaykh Faraz returned to Canada in 2007. His return marked a new chapter in his service to the community. He founded SeekersGuidance. The organization reflects his commitment to spreading Islamic knowledge. It aims to be reliable, relevant, inspiring, and accessible. This mission addresses both online and on-the-ground needs.

Shaykh Faraz is also an accomplished author. His notable work includes “Absolute Essentials of Islam: Faith, Prayer, and the Path of Salvation According to the Hanafi School,” which was published by White Thread Press in 2004 and is a significant contribution to Islamic literature.

His influence extends beyond his immediate community. Since 2011, Shaykh Faraz has been recognized as one of the 500 most influential Muslims. This recognition comes from the Royal Islamic Strategic Studies Center. It underscores his impact on the global Islamic discourse.

Shaykh Faraz Rabbani’s life and work embody a profound commitment to Islamic scholarship. His teachings continue to enlighten and guide seekers of knowledge worldwide.