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.
May Allah purify our hearts from blameworthy traits and grant us sincerity in seeking what is pleasing to Him.
The “envy” mentioned in this hadith is not actual envy. It is permissible emulation (ghibta) — seeking what another has been given, without wishing in any way that they lose it.
The Reality of Envy
Envy (hasad), as defined by Imam Nawawi (Allah have mercy on him) in his commentary on Sahih Muslim, is to wish for another to lose a blessing. [Nawawi, Sharh Sahih Muslim]
This is its essence. It may arise because one wishes to possess that blessing oneself, but simply wishing for another to lose it, whether or not one desires it, is envy.
The Prophet (Allah bless him and give him peace) warned: “Beware of envy, for envy consumes good deeds as fire consumes wood.” [Abu Dawud]
Envy is a major sin and one of the destructive diseases of the heart. If one finds it in oneself, one must seek its treatment.
Permissible Emulation Is Not Envy
Permissible emulation (ghibta) shares only one part of the meaning of envy: it involves seeking what another has.
But the crucial difference is that it carries no wish for the other person to lose their blessing. Not by its stopping, not by its slowing, not by its diminishment.
However, one must exercise caution. This state can easily slip into actual envy if the heart is not guarded. [Khadimi/Birgivi, al-Bariqa al-Mahmudiyya Sharh al-Tariqa al-Muhammadiyya]
The Hadith of Two Cases
The Prophet (Allah bless him and give him peace) said: “There is no envy except in two cases. A person whom Allah has granted the Quran, so he upholds it by night and by day. And a person whom Allah has granted wealth, so he spends of it by night and by day.” [Bukhari; Muslim]
In both cases, the meaning is to wish to be like such people, without desiring in any way that they lose their blessing. [Munawi, Fayd al-Qadir Sharh al-Jami‘ al-Saghir]
Competing in Good
This meaning is affirmed by the Quranic call: “In that, let those who would compete, compete.” [Quran, 83:26]
This is praiseworthy competition. It is not about diminishing others. It is about striving to attain the good that Allah has made available.
Guarding the Heart
When one feels this aspiration upon seeing someone blessed with knowledge or righteous action, one should first pray for that person — asking Allah to grant them increase. Then one should ask Allah from His bounty, without connecting it to that particular person.
The Prophet (Allah bless him and give him peace) said: “Ask Allah from His bounty, for indeed Allah loves to be asked.” [Tirmidhi]
The treasuries of Allah are vast and overflowing. One need not look to what another has. One need only turn to Allah.
The Believer Strives for What Truly Matters, Seeking It From Allah
The governing principle is that the believer strives for what truly matters, such as knowledge and generosity, without wishing diminishment for others. The competition is a positive one, directed toward the hereafter and toward true good in this life.
And Allah knows best.
[Shaykh] Faraz Rabbani
Related
- What Are the Different Kinds of Envy?
- What Are the Ways to Avoid Envy and Jealousy?
- Do Not Envy Each Other
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.
