KEYWORDS:
There is no corresponding phrase or word or concept in the English language corresponding to
"Gayrat". Many people translated this word as jealousy but its meaning is very much different
from jealousy. Please read the meaning of jealousy and compare to the meaning of "Gayrat" to
understand the difference in the following paragraphs.
Gayrat: it means one does not want to share one's rights on a person with others.
Gayur: a person who has gayrat.
The fifteenth vice is jealousy (Hasad). "Hasad" means to be jealous. A person inflicted with this
disease wants others not to keep blessings (Nimat) bestowed upon them by Allahu ta’ala or in
other words he wants them to lose those blessings. Desiring that others should not have harmful
things would not be jealousy but would be Gayrat. Desiring that those who use religious
knowledge to obtain worldly gains should lose their knowledge is also Gayrat. Wanting
destruction of the wealth and possessions of those who use them to promote forbidden or
oppressive things or to spread "Bidat" or to destroy Islam in short would not be jealousy but
would be religious Gayrat. One who possesses jealousy in one's heart but is not content with it or
does not want to possess that vice would not be committing sin. Things that come to the heart,
e.g., thoughts or memories are not considered sin because controlling these things is not within
the power of one's self. But, if one does not worry about or regret having jealousy in one's heart
or one desires to be jealous then, that would be a sin and a forbidden act. Also, if one shows
one's jealousy through one's actions or words then that would be a greater sin. In one hadith, our
Prophet, peace be upon him, said, "Human beings cannot free themselves from the following
three things: 'Su-i zan', 'Tayara' and 'Hasad'. When a person has evil thoughts about
others (Su-i zan), he should not act according to his evil opinion. He should perform things
that he thinks as ill-omened by placing his trust (Tawakkul) in Allahu ta’ala and he should
never hurt anyone whom he is jealous of!" "Tayara" means believing in ill-omen. "Su-i zan"
means one's thinking a particular person as an evil person. It can be derived from this hadith that
having jealousy in one's heart is not prohibited but one's satisfaction with it in one's heart or
desiring its continuance is prohibited. The book Hadika relates the following, "A thought
received by the spiritual heart fits one of the following five categories: The first one is the kind
which does not have staying power therefore it is repelled right away and is called "Hajis". The
second one stays in the heart for a while and is called "Hatir". The third one is the kind which
causes doubt in the heart, e.g., whether it should be done or not and is called "Hadith-un-nafs".
The fourth one is that the heart prefers to do it and is called "Hamm". The fifth one is that the
preference of the fourth category becomes stronger and the heart decides to do it with strong will
and is called "Azm" and "Jazm". The first three categories are not recorded by the angels. The
fourth state, e.g., "Hamm" will be recorded as a reward if it is one of the good deeds. Also, it will
be recorded as reward if it is one of the evil deeds and one does not commit it. The fifth state
"Azm" is the following: if it is one of the prohibited actions and is carried out then one sin will
be recorded. If it is not carried out it will be forgiven. In another hadith our Prophet Muhammad,
peace be upon him, said, "Evil thoughts received by the heart will be forgiven unless they
are acted upon or said to others." When some disbelief or made-up and corrupt thoughts
(Bidat) come to one's heart, if he becomes upset because of these and rejects them right away,this short lived thoughts will not be disbelief. But, if one decides to become a disbeliever after
many years or even sets conditions for it, he will become a disbeliever immediately from that
moment on. Also, if a woman decides to marry a disbeliever after many years in the future, she
will become a disbeliever at the moment she forms her decision. [The degree of sin of
committing a prohibited thing is greater than the degree of sin of forming a decision to commit a
prohibited (Haram) act. "Haram" means things that are prohibited by Allahu ta’ala. Sin is a
noun or in other words it means the punishment that will be given to those who perform the
prohibited things. Committing sin means performing something, which will invoke punishment.
It means committing haram. "Thawab" means the rewards that will be given in the next world for
the actions, i.e., worships and goodness performed on earth. Allahu ta’ala has promised us He
will give reward in the next world to those who performed goodness and worships in this world.
It is not necessary (Wajib) to give rewards for the goodness done or worships performed but
Allahu ta’ala with His infinite mercy and benevolence promised to do so. Allahu ta’ala will
never back off from His promise and will certainly do whatever He has promised.]
In one hadith, Rasulullah, peace be upon him, said, "If a human being forms a decision in his
heart to commit a prohibited thing (Haram) but does not perform it because of the fear of
Allahu ta’ala, there won't be any recording of any sin but if he commits the prohibited
thing (Haram), one sin will be recorded."
It is forbidden to form an intention to become a disbeliever (Kafir) or to become an Ahl al-bidat
(One who deviates from the right path is called "Ahl al-bidat". ) Anyone who forms such an
intention will become the disbeliever he intends to become at the moment he forms his intention.
Because, these two intentions are evil in their essence and thus forbidden. Further, the thought of
committing forbidden things is evil because it becomes a cause for the execution of the forbidden
things. The thought in itself is not evil but the execution of that evil thought is evil and ugly.
When the contemplated forbidden act is not committed, the state of its being forbidden or its
being a sin is lifted. This lifting is a blessing of Allahu ta’ala for the followers of Prophet
Muhammad, peace be upon him.
Not wanting others to lose their blessings but instead desiring to have similar blessings for one's
self would not be jealousy. This would be called envy (Gibta). Envy is a virtue. It is necessary
(Wajib) to have envy for a pious Muslim (Salih) who lives according to the rules of Islam, e.g.,
one who performs the obligations (Fards) and who abstains from committing the prohibited
actions. Being envious for one who has worldly things is slightly disliked "Tanzih al-makruh" in
Islam.
In one hadith, Rasulullah, peace be upon him, said, "Allahu ta’ala has Gayrat for a Mumin
and Mumin also has Gayrat for other Mumins." Allahu ta’ala prohibited adultery because of
His Gayrat. Allahu ta’ala says, "Oh sons of Adam! I created you for myself and everything
else for your utility but those things I created for you should not make you forget the
meaning of your creation." In another hadith al-Qudsi, Allahu ta’ala said, "I created you for
myself. Do not busy yourself with other things! I will provide your sustenance, do not
worry!". Prophet Joseph's (Yusuf) asking to a person who was going to see the Ruler (Sultan)
of the time that he should mention his name in the presence of the Ruler caused Gayrat of
Allahu ta’ala and therefore caused prophet Joseph, peace be upon him, to stay in prison for many
years. Also, Prophet Abraham's (Ibrahim), peace be upon him, joy upon the birth of his son
Isma'il caused Gayrat of Allahu ta’ala and ordered Abraham, peace be upon him, to sacrifice his
son Isma'il. Occurrence of the Gayrat of Allahu ta’ala for the one's whom Allahu ta’ala loves
happened many times including some awliya. Gayrat means one’s not consenting to share hisrights on a person with others. Meaning of Gayrat of Allahu ta’ala is His not consenting with
human creature’s committing sins. The duty of a human creature is not to do anything he wants
to do but instead it is to perform his duty toward Allahu ta’ala. This duty is his carrying out the
commandments and avoiding prohibited actions (Harams). Satisfying every desire is only the
right of Allahu ta’ala. As far as human creatures are concerned, performing their desires or
committing sins would be violating the right of Allahu ta’ala, i.e., having a share from the right
of Allahu ta’ala. A Mumin should have Gayrat on himself with respect to committing sin. This
should show itself as a pounding heart or having distress while he is committing the sin. The
heart of a Mumin is the house of Allahu ta’ala and is the place for virtues. Having evil thoughts
in the heart comes to mean sharing evil with good and the heart's pounding and palpitation
comes to mean that the heart is not satisfied with this sharing and showing its Gayrat. Sa'd bin
Ubada, may Allahu ta’ala be pleased with him, the leader of the "Ansar," {Muslim inhabitants of
the city of Madina who received the Muslims immigrating from the city of Mecca are called
Ansar} asked Rasulullah, peace be upon him, Oh Rasulullah! If I see my wife with a stranger in
the same bed, couldn't I kill her before I bring four witnesses to testify that she was seen by
them
in the bed with a stranger? Rasulullah answered him, "Surely, you cannot kill her." Sa'd in
return said that it is well known that he would need four witness but he doesn't think he could
handle that kind of shame and would kill her right there instead of trying to get four witnesses.
At that time Rasulullah turned to the people and said, "Oh people! You have heard the answer
of your leader! He is very Gayur. I am more Gayur than him, and Allahu ta’ala is much
more Gayur than I am." In other words, he was saying that this type of being "Gayur" was not
proper. He was saying, Even though I am more Gayur than him, I would not go beyond the limits
or boundaries set by Islam. Even though Allahu ta’ala is much more Gayur than us, He would
not hurry to punish her for her adultery. By saying such, Rasulullah, peace be upon him, wanted
to point out that it was not proper for Sa’d to rush for the right punishment without first
following the rules set by Islam. Every Muslim who witnesses another Muslim committing a
forbidden act must apply punishment (Taz'ir) immediately. Persons who witness others
committing forbidden acts cannot apply punishment after they stopped committing that
forbidden act. In this situation they have to report to the Judge and the Judge of the government
will apply the punishment. Anyone who witnesses his wife committing adultery and kills her
right away must show four witnesses at the court. His swearing at the court will not be
acceptable. If he cannot bring four witnesses, he will be sentenced by the Judge for murder.
It is not permissible (Jaiz) for a woman to show Gayrat for the second wife "or for the other
wife". Rasulullah, peace be upon him, one night left the room of his wife Hadrat Aisha (may
Allahu ta’ala be well pleased with her). She thought that he has gone to the room of another one
of his wives and had Gayrat about her. Rasulullah, peace be upon him, upon returning back to
her room observed her grief and asked, "Did you have 'Gayrat'?" She said, "Wouldn't be
proper for a poor creature like me to have 'Gayrat' about a person like you who is the most
honorable among all beings and who is the most merciful among all creatures?" He answered,
"You have followed evil suggestions (Waswasa) of the devil." She inquired if there was a
devil by her. He answered, "Yes there is." She further inquired whether there was a devil by
Rasulullah, peace be upon him. He answered by saying, "Yes there is but Allahu ta’ala is
protecting me from the evil suggestions of the devil." He implied that his devil became
Muslim and now only reminds him good things. In another hadith, Rasulullah, peace be upon
him, said, "Allahu ta’ala blessed me with two blessings that He has not given to anybody
else: my devil was a disbeliever He made it Muslim and He blessed me with wives who helpme in the way of spreading Islam!" The devil of Adam, peace be upon him, was a disbeliever
and his wife Eve (Hadrat Hawwa, may Allahu ta’ala be well pleased with her) was deceived by
the oath of the devil in the heaven and she caused the mistake of the Hadrat Adam, peace be
upon him.
Gayrat of human beings toward Allahu ta’ala would be not wanting to commit prohibited
(Haram) things.
The opposite of jealousy is to give advice (Nasihat). It is a desire in one's heart about the another
person who has received the blessings (Worldly or other worldly) that he should keep those
blessings so that he may do good religious or worldly things through them. It is incumbent
(Wajib) for all Muslims to give advice to others. Rasulullah, peace be upon him, said, "The
person who is instrumental for another person's performing good deeds will receive as
much reward as the person who performs the goodness," and "Any Muslim who asks
blessings for himself but does not ask same blessings for other Muslims would not be
having belief," and "The basis of religion is to give advice." The meaning of giving advice for
the sake of Allahu ta’ala is to inform others that Allahu ta’ala exists, that there is only one Allah,
that He is the only One who possesses attributes of Perfection and Beauty, that He does not
possess any deficiency or any kind of attributes which are not worthy of Him, that it is necessary
for everyone to worship Him with a pure intention, that everyone should try to earn His favor
and consent as much as one can accomplish, that no one should rebel against Him, that everyone
should love His friends, that everyone should oppose His adversaries, that everyone should love
those who obey His orders, that everyone should not love those who disobey His
commandments, that everyone should enumerate His blessings and give thanks for them, that
everyone should have compassion toward His creatures and that no one should assert He
possesses any of the attributes He does not possess. Giving advice (Nasihat) for the Qur'an is that
everyone should believe in the things written in the Qur'an; everyone should carry out the things
that are ordered in the Qur'an; no one should try to make translations of the Qur'an according to
his understanding; everyone should recite the Qur'an much in the best and truest way and
everyone should know and let others know that it is not permissible to touch the Qur'an without
ritual cleansing (Wudu). Giving advice for the Prophet Muhammad, peace be upon him, is that,
it is necessary for everyone to believe in everything taught by him; it is necessary for everyone to
pay respect to him and to his name; it is necessary for everyone to practice and spread his
Sunnat; it is necessary for everyone to assimilate his beautiful morals and ethics, and it is a must
for everyone to love his progeny and his companions and his followers (Ummat). Giving advice
(Nasihat) for the government of a country is that, it is to help those government officials who
respect Allahu ta’ala and protect His religion as well as give freedom to people for practicing
their religion. It is to advise them about the truth or the correct way and to tell them that they
must observe the rights of Muslims. It is not to rebel against them and not to violate the laws. It
is praying for them so that they may do service for Islam and humanity. It is to pray behind them
and to help them financially or by joining or by prayer (Dua) when they perform a fight (Jihad)
against disbelievers. It is to pay the tax and obligatory almsgiving. It is not to attack anyone with
guns. It is to guide and steer them to the right path and justice in a soft manner without rebelling
against them when they wrong themselves or do injustice. It is not to fawn them and not to be a
cause for them to depart from the right and correct ways. It is to tell everyone that it is necessary
not to rebel against those who are in charge of the government. It is to tell everyone that it is
necessary for everyone to follow the teachings of the religious laws (Fiqh); ilm al-hal books and
ethics books written by "Ahl as-sunnat scholars". Giving advice (Nasihat) for everyone is to tellthem that they should perform the things that are useful for this and the next worlds, and that
they should avoid doing things harmful to this and the next worlds, and that they should not hurt
anybody; should not break heart of anyone and should teach others what they do not know and
cover their mistakes when it is necessary. It is to tell them that they should perform the
obligatory duties and they should not do the forbidden actions and they should tell these things in
a soft manner. It is further necessary to tell them that it is necessary to have compassion toward
youngsters and have respect for the elders and treat others the same way you want them to treat
you and not to treat others in such a way that you do not want to be treated. Finally, it is to tell
them that they should help others financially and physically.
In one hadith, our Prophet, peace be upon him, said, "Those who do not help Muslims and
those who do not work for the welfare and comfort of Muslims are not one of them. Those
who do not give advice for Allah, Qur'an, Rasulullah, head of the government and for all
Muslims are not one of them."
Jealousy diminishes the reward of worship. In one hadith, Rasulullah, peace be upon him, said,
"Beware of being jealous. Let it be known that jealousy will destroy rewards 'Thawabs'
just like the fire destroys wood." A jealous person will backbite and gossip the person whom
he is jealous of. He will attack his self and property. His rewards (Thawabs) will be taken away
from him and given to whom he attacked in order to compensate him, during the day of
Judgement. When a jealous person sees the blessings (Nimats) in a person whom he is jealous
of, he feels great distress and loses his sleep. Those who do good deeds will receive ten fold
rewards. Jealousy destroys nine of them and will leave only one behind. There is no sin other
than disbelief (Kufr) that will destroy all rewards of good deeds performed. Committing
prohibited actions by believing that they are not grave sins or by not paying attention to Islam or
committing prohibited actions and other things that cause disbelief and apostasy (Irtidad) will
destroy all the rewards given for for the good deeds performed. In one hadith, our Prophet, peace
be upon him, said, "Two serious illnesses of the ancient followers 'Ummats' also plagued my
followers 'Ummat': jealousy and shaving. When I say shaving, I do not mean that they
shaved the hair on their heads. I mean that they shaved their religion from the roots and
annihilated it all together. I swear to you that anyone who has no belief will never enter
Paradise. Unless you love each other, you cannot obtain belief. In order to be able to love
each other you should give greetings (Salam) to each other often."
[This hadith clearly shows the importance of exchanging greetings (Salam) and orders its
practice. When two Muslims meet each other, it is Sunnat for one of them to say "Salamun
alaikum" and it is obligatory (Fard) for the other one to reply "Wa alaikum salam". It is not
permissible (Jaiz) to greet each other with other phrases that are used by disbelievers or by hand,
body or other mimics. When two Muslims see each other from a distance such that they cannot
hear each other, it is permissible to repeat above-mentioned phrases for greetings (Salam) as
well as to greet each other by raising their right hand up to their eyebrows. When exchanging
greetings with disbelievers, it is permissible to use phrases utilized by them in order to avoid
instigation (Fitna). Raising instigation is forbidden (Haram). Not raising instigation by
following the directions given above with respect to exchanging greetings with disbelievers is
very rewarding (Thawab).]
It has been communicated, "A Muslim possesses goodness but when he becomes jealous all
the goodness departs from him." In another hadith, Rasulullah, peace be upon him, said,
"Those who are jealous, who do 'Namima' and 'Kahanat' are not one of me." "Namima" is
carrying one's words to another in order to raise instigation and cause discord among Muslims"Kahanat" is the sayings of the sooth sayers. [Those who try to predict unknown future events
are called sooth sayers (Kahin). We must not believe them.] It is apparent from this hadith that
those who are jealous will not receive the intercession (Shafa’at) of Rasulullah, peace be upon
him. They will not have rights to ask intercession.
In one hadith, Rasulullah, peace be upon him, said, "Six types of persons will be questioned
from six things, will be punished at the gathering place of the Judgment day, and then will
be thrown to hell: presidents of the states from oppression 'Zulm'; Arabic race from the
'Gayrat' for their race; leaders of the small villages from conceit 'Kibr'; businessmen from
violation of the trust or deceit; villagers from ignorance; and scholars 'Alims' from
jealousy." It is necessary for the businessman to learn the meaning of lying, interest, deceit, and
appropriating others' funds with non valid business practices and to learn how to protect himself
from these forbidden acts. Villagers and every Muslim must learn knowledge of "Ahl as-sunnat
faith" and knowledge which teaches how to do things that are necessary in the religion (Ilm alhal
knowledge). This hadith informs us that jealousy exists more among men who hold religious
positions in society. The book Tafsir al-Kabir teaches the following: "Jealousy is ten parts and
nine of them exist in men holding religious posts or men learned in religious knowledge.
Worldly difficulties are ten parts and nine of them exist in pious men 'Salih'. Abasement 'Zillat'
are ten parts and nine of them exist among Jews. Humility 'Tawazu' is ten parts and nine of them
exist among Christians. Appetite 'Shahwat' is ten parts and nine of them exist in women and one
part exists in men. Knowledge 'Ilm' is ten parts and one part is in Iraq. Belief is ten parts and nine
of them is in Yaman. Wisdom 'Aql' is ten parts and nine of them are in men. Blessings 'Barakat'
of the world is in ten parts and nine of them is in Damascus 'Sham'." Fahraddin al-Razi in his
Tafsir al-Kabir wrote of what was happening in his time. Before Rasulullah, peace be upon him,
was born, Jews, before going to war would pray, "Oh! Our Lord!, For the sake of that honorable
Prophet that you have promised to send and whom you love very much." Their prayers would be
accepted and Allahu ta’ala would help them. When Rasulullah, peace be upon him, started to
invite people to become Muslims, they understood that he was the promised Prophet but because
of their jealousy they denied him. Their jealousy lead them and all their progeny to endless
disasters, calamities and punishments.
Allahu ta’ala ordered us to protect ourselves from the wickedness (Sharr) of the devil as well as
wickedness of a jealous person.
In one hadith, Rasulullah, peace be upon him, said, "Ask for your necessities or needs from
the rich (Ahl al-nimat) in a secret manner because others will be jealous of those who
possess blessings (Nimats)." When others realize that your necessities or needs are being taken
care of, you will be exposing yourself to their jealousy. A person who has a secret has an option,
he may hide it or reveal it. Most of the time, a person who reveals his secret will live to regret it.
A person has control over his sayings until they come out of his mouth. He has the option either
tell or don’t tell but once the words come out of his mouth he is a slave of his words and will
regret it by saying that he should have never said that. Those who possess much wealth usually
will not keep a secret. There is a famous saying which states "Keep your 'Zahab', 'Zihab' and
'Madhhab' secret." [Here "Zahab" means gold, "Zihab" means belief and "Madhhab" means the
way one goes about running his affairs.]
Being jealous will not change the decree of Allahu ta’ala. A jealous person worries and tires
himself needlessly and the sins he will accumulate will be an additional loss. Hadrat Muawiya,
may Allahu ta’ala be well pleased with him, advised his son, "Beware of jealousy very much!
The damage which will be caused by being jealous will show on you faster and much more thanon your enemy." Sufyan al-Sawri, may Allahu ta’ala be pleased with him, said that those who are
not jealous will have a clear mind. No jealous person ever achieved his desires nor earned the
respect of others. Being jealous negatively effects his nervous system and shortens his life span.
Asma'i, may Allahu ta’ala be pleased with him, says: he met a villager who was 120 years old
and asked him the secret of his long life. The villager said he was never jealous of anyone!
Abullays al-Samarkandi, may Allahu ta’ala be pleased with him, said, "Prayer 'Dua' of three
types of persons will not be accepted: those who eat from forbidden 'Haram'; those who backbite,
and those who are jealous."
The person who is being the subject of jealousy will never see any loss from it in both worlds.
He may even gain some benefits. The jealous person will spend his life in misery. When he sees
that the person whom he is jealous of does not lose those blessings (Nimats) and moreover that
wealth starts to increase, he will have a nervous breakdown. A jealous person, in order to get rid
of his jealousy, should send presents, give advice (Nasihat) and praise the person whom he is
jealous of. He should show humility toward him and should pray for him so that his blessings
would increase.
There is no corresponding phrase or word or concept in the English language corresponding to
"Gayrat". Many people translated this word as jealousy but its meaning is very much different
from jealousy. Please read the meaning of jealousy and compare to the meaning of "Gayrat" to
understand the difference in the following paragraphs.
Gayrat: it means one does not want to share one's rights on a person with others.
Gayur: a person who has gayrat.
The fifteenth vice is jealousy (Hasad). "Hasad" means to be jealous. A person inflicted with this
disease wants others not to keep blessings (Nimat) bestowed upon them by Allahu ta’ala or in
other words he wants them to lose those blessings. Desiring that others should not have harmful
things would not be jealousy but would be Gayrat. Desiring that those who use religious
knowledge to obtain worldly gains should lose their knowledge is also Gayrat. Wanting
destruction of the wealth and possessions of those who use them to promote forbidden or
oppressive things or to spread "Bidat" or to destroy Islam in short would not be jealousy but
would be religious Gayrat. One who possesses jealousy in one's heart but is not content with it or
does not want to possess that vice would not be committing sin. Things that come to the heart,
e.g., thoughts or memories are not considered sin because controlling these things is not within
the power of one's self. But, if one does not worry about or regret having jealousy in one's heart
or one desires to be jealous then, that would be a sin and a forbidden act. Also, if one shows
one's jealousy through one's actions or words then that would be a greater sin. In one hadith, our
Prophet, peace be upon him, said, "Human beings cannot free themselves from the following
three things: 'Su-i zan', 'Tayara' and 'Hasad'. When a person has evil thoughts about
others (Su-i zan), he should not act according to his evil opinion. He should perform things
that he thinks as ill-omened by placing his trust (Tawakkul) in Allahu ta’ala and he should
never hurt anyone whom he is jealous of!" "Tayara" means believing in ill-omen. "Su-i zan"
means one's thinking a particular person as an evil person. It can be derived from this hadith that
having jealousy in one's heart is not prohibited but one's satisfaction with it in one's heart or
desiring its continuance is prohibited. The book Hadika relates the following, "A thought
received by the spiritual heart fits one of the following five categories: The first one is the kind
which does not have staying power therefore it is repelled right away and is called "Hajis". The
second one stays in the heart for a while and is called "Hatir". The third one is the kind which
causes doubt in the heart, e.g., whether it should be done or not and is called "Hadith-un-nafs".
The fourth one is that the heart prefers to do it and is called "Hamm". The fifth one is that the
preference of the fourth category becomes stronger and the heart decides to do it with strong will
and is called "Azm" and "Jazm". The first three categories are not recorded by the angels. The
fourth state, e.g., "Hamm" will be recorded as a reward if it is one of the good deeds. Also, it will
be recorded as reward if it is one of the evil deeds and one does not commit it. The fifth state
"Azm" is the following: if it is one of the prohibited actions and is carried out then one sin will
be recorded. If it is not carried out it will be forgiven. In another hadith our Prophet Muhammad,
peace be upon him, said, "Evil thoughts received by the heart will be forgiven unless they
are acted upon or said to others." When some disbelief or made-up and corrupt thoughts
(Bidat) come to one's heart, if he becomes upset because of these and rejects them right away,this short lived thoughts will not be disbelief. But, if one decides to become a disbeliever after
many years or even sets conditions for it, he will become a disbeliever immediately from that
moment on. Also, if a woman decides to marry a disbeliever after many years in the future, she
will become a disbeliever at the moment she forms her decision. [The degree of sin of
committing a prohibited thing is greater than the degree of sin of forming a decision to commit a
prohibited (Haram) act. "Haram" means things that are prohibited by Allahu ta’ala. Sin is a
noun or in other words it means the punishment that will be given to those who perform the
prohibited things. Committing sin means performing something, which will invoke punishment.
It means committing haram. "Thawab" means the rewards that will be given in the next world for
the actions, i.e., worships and goodness performed on earth. Allahu ta’ala has promised us He
will give reward in the next world to those who performed goodness and worships in this world.
It is not necessary (Wajib) to give rewards for the goodness done or worships performed but
Allahu ta’ala with His infinite mercy and benevolence promised to do so. Allahu ta’ala will
never back off from His promise and will certainly do whatever He has promised.]
In one hadith, Rasulullah, peace be upon him, said, "If a human being forms a decision in his
heart to commit a prohibited thing (Haram) but does not perform it because of the fear of
Allahu ta’ala, there won't be any recording of any sin but if he commits the prohibited
thing (Haram), one sin will be recorded."
It is forbidden to form an intention to become a disbeliever (Kafir) or to become an Ahl al-bidat
(One who deviates from the right path is called "Ahl al-bidat". ) Anyone who forms such an
intention will become the disbeliever he intends to become at the moment he forms his intention.
Because, these two intentions are evil in their essence and thus forbidden. Further, the thought of
committing forbidden things is evil because it becomes a cause for the execution of the forbidden
things. The thought in itself is not evil but the execution of that evil thought is evil and ugly.
When the contemplated forbidden act is not committed, the state of its being forbidden or its
being a sin is lifted. This lifting is a blessing of Allahu ta’ala for the followers of Prophet
Muhammad, peace be upon him.
Not wanting others to lose their blessings but instead desiring to have similar blessings for one's
self would not be jealousy. This would be called envy (Gibta). Envy is a virtue. It is necessary
(Wajib) to have envy for a pious Muslim (Salih) who lives according to the rules of Islam, e.g.,
one who performs the obligations (Fards) and who abstains from committing the prohibited
actions. Being envious for one who has worldly things is slightly disliked "Tanzih al-makruh" in
Islam.
In one hadith, Rasulullah, peace be upon him, said, "Allahu ta’ala has Gayrat for a Mumin
and Mumin also has Gayrat for other Mumins." Allahu ta’ala prohibited adultery because of
His Gayrat. Allahu ta’ala says, "Oh sons of Adam! I created you for myself and everything
else for your utility but those things I created for you should not make you forget the
meaning of your creation." In another hadith al-Qudsi, Allahu ta’ala said, "I created you for
myself. Do not busy yourself with other things! I will provide your sustenance, do not
worry!". Prophet Joseph's (Yusuf) asking to a person who was going to see the Ruler (Sultan)
of the time that he should mention his name in the presence of the Ruler caused Gayrat of
Allahu ta’ala and therefore caused prophet Joseph, peace be upon him, to stay in prison for many
years. Also, Prophet Abraham's (Ibrahim), peace be upon him, joy upon the birth of his son
Isma'il caused Gayrat of Allahu ta’ala and ordered Abraham, peace be upon him, to sacrifice his
son Isma'il. Occurrence of the Gayrat of Allahu ta’ala for the one's whom Allahu ta’ala loves
happened many times including some awliya. Gayrat means one’s not consenting to share hisrights on a person with others. Meaning of Gayrat of Allahu ta’ala is His not consenting with
human creature’s committing sins. The duty of a human creature is not to do anything he wants
to do but instead it is to perform his duty toward Allahu ta’ala. This duty is his carrying out the
commandments and avoiding prohibited actions (Harams). Satisfying every desire is only the
right of Allahu ta’ala. As far as human creatures are concerned, performing their desires or
committing sins would be violating the right of Allahu ta’ala, i.e., having a share from the right
of Allahu ta’ala. A Mumin should have Gayrat on himself with respect to committing sin. This
should show itself as a pounding heart or having distress while he is committing the sin. The
heart of a Mumin is the house of Allahu ta’ala and is the place for virtues. Having evil thoughts
in the heart comes to mean sharing evil with good and the heart's pounding and palpitation
comes to mean that the heart is not satisfied with this sharing and showing its Gayrat. Sa'd bin
Ubada, may Allahu ta’ala be pleased with him, the leader of the "Ansar," {Muslim inhabitants of
the city of Madina who received the Muslims immigrating from the city of Mecca are called
Ansar} asked Rasulullah, peace be upon him, Oh Rasulullah! If I see my wife with a stranger in
the same bed, couldn't I kill her before I bring four witnesses to testify that she was seen by
them
in the bed with a stranger? Rasulullah answered him, "Surely, you cannot kill her." Sa'd in
return said that it is well known that he would need four witness but he doesn't think he could
handle that kind of shame and would kill her right there instead of trying to get four witnesses.
At that time Rasulullah turned to the people and said, "Oh people! You have heard the answer
of your leader! He is very Gayur. I am more Gayur than him, and Allahu ta’ala is much
more Gayur than I am." In other words, he was saying that this type of being "Gayur" was not
proper. He was saying, Even though I am more Gayur than him, I would not go beyond the limits
or boundaries set by Islam. Even though Allahu ta’ala is much more Gayur than us, He would
not hurry to punish her for her adultery. By saying such, Rasulullah, peace be upon him, wanted
to point out that it was not proper for Sa’d to rush for the right punishment without first
following the rules set by Islam. Every Muslim who witnesses another Muslim committing a
forbidden act must apply punishment (Taz'ir) immediately. Persons who witness others
committing forbidden acts cannot apply punishment after they stopped committing that
forbidden act. In this situation they have to report to the Judge and the Judge of the government
will apply the punishment. Anyone who witnesses his wife committing adultery and kills her
right away must show four witnesses at the court. His swearing at the court will not be
acceptable. If he cannot bring four witnesses, he will be sentenced by the Judge for murder.
It is not permissible (Jaiz) for a woman to show Gayrat for the second wife "or for the other
wife". Rasulullah, peace be upon him, one night left the room of his wife Hadrat Aisha (may
Allahu ta’ala be well pleased with her). She thought that he has gone to the room of another one
of his wives and had Gayrat about her. Rasulullah, peace be upon him, upon returning back to
her room observed her grief and asked, "Did you have 'Gayrat'?" She said, "Wouldn't be
proper for a poor creature like me to have 'Gayrat' about a person like you who is the most
honorable among all beings and who is the most merciful among all creatures?" He answered,
"You have followed evil suggestions (Waswasa) of the devil." She inquired if there was a
devil by her. He answered, "Yes there is." She further inquired whether there was a devil by
Rasulullah, peace be upon him. He answered by saying, "Yes there is but Allahu ta’ala is
protecting me from the evil suggestions of the devil." He implied that his devil became
Muslim and now only reminds him good things. In another hadith, Rasulullah, peace be upon
him, said, "Allahu ta’ala blessed me with two blessings that He has not given to anybody
else: my devil was a disbeliever He made it Muslim and He blessed me with wives who helpme in the way of spreading Islam!" The devil of Adam, peace be upon him, was a disbeliever
and his wife Eve (Hadrat Hawwa, may Allahu ta’ala be well pleased with her) was deceived by
the oath of the devil in the heaven and she caused the mistake of the Hadrat Adam, peace be
upon him.
Gayrat of human beings toward Allahu ta’ala would be not wanting to commit prohibited
(Haram) things.
The opposite of jealousy is to give advice (Nasihat). It is a desire in one's heart about the another
person who has received the blessings (Worldly or other worldly) that he should keep those
blessings so that he may do good religious or worldly things through them. It is incumbent
(Wajib) for all Muslims to give advice to others. Rasulullah, peace be upon him, said, "The
person who is instrumental for another person's performing good deeds will receive as
much reward as the person who performs the goodness," and "Any Muslim who asks
blessings for himself but does not ask same blessings for other Muslims would not be
having belief," and "The basis of religion is to give advice." The meaning of giving advice for
the sake of Allahu ta’ala is to inform others that Allahu ta’ala exists, that there is only one Allah,
that He is the only One who possesses attributes of Perfection and Beauty, that He does not
possess any deficiency or any kind of attributes which are not worthy of Him, that it is necessary
for everyone to worship Him with a pure intention, that everyone should try to earn His favor
and consent as much as one can accomplish, that no one should rebel against Him, that everyone
should love His friends, that everyone should oppose His adversaries, that everyone should love
those who obey His orders, that everyone should not love those who disobey His
commandments, that everyone should enumerate His blessings and give thanks for them, that
everyone should have compassion toward His creatures and that no one should assert He
possesses any of the attributes He does not possess. Giving advice (Nasihat) for the Qur'an is that
everyone should believe in the things written in the Qur'an; everyone should carry out the things
that are ordered in the Qur'an; no one should try to make translations of the Qur'an according to
his understanding; everyone should recite the Qur'an much in the best and truest way and
everyone should know and let others know that it is not permissible to touch the Qur'an without
ritual cleansing (Wudu). Giving advice for the Prophet Muhammad, peace be upon him, is that,
it is necessary for everyone to believe in everything taught by him; it is necessary for everyone to
pay respect to him and to his name; it is necessary for everyone to practice and spread his
Sunnat; it is necessary for everyone to assimilate his beautiful morals and ethics, and it is a must
for everyone to love his progeny and his companions and his followers (Ummat). Giving advice
(Nasihat) for the government of a country is that, it is to help those government officials who
respect Allahu ta’ala and protect His religion as well as give freedom to people for practicing
their religion. It is to advise them about the truth or the correct way and to tell them that they
must observe the rights of Muslims. It is not to rebel against them and not to violate the laws. It
is praying for them so that they may do service for Islam and humanity. It is to pray behind them
and to help them financially or by joining or by prayer (Dua) when they perform a fight (Jihad)
against disbelievers. It is to pay the tax and obligatory almsgiving. It is not to attack anyone with
guns. It is to guide and steer them to the right path and justice in a soft manner without rebelling
against them when they wrong themselves or do injustice. It is not to fawn them and not to be a
cause for them to depart from the right and correct ways. It is to tell everyone that it is necessary
not to rebel against those who are in charge of the government. It is to tell everyone that it is
necessary for everyone to follow the teachings of the religious laws (Fiqh); ilm al-hal books and
ethics books written by "Ahl as-sunnat scholars". Giving advice (Nasihat) for everyone is to tellthem that they should perform the things that are useful for this and the next worlds, and that
they should avoid doing things harmful to this and the next worlds, and that they should not hurt
anybody; should not break heart of anyone and should teach others what they do not know and
cover their mistakes when it is necessary. It is to tell them that they should perform the
obligatory duties and they should not do the forbidden actions and they should tell these things in
a soft manner. It is further necessary to tell them that it is necessary to have compassion toward
youngsters and have respect for the elders and treat others the same way you want them to treat
you and not to treat others in such a way that you do not want to be treated. Finally, it is to tell
them that they should help others financially and physically.
In one hadith, our Prophet, peace be upon him, said, "Those who do not help Muslims and
those who do not work for the welfare and comfort of Muslims are not one of them. Those
who do not give advice for Allah, Qur'an, Rasulullah, head of the government and for all
Muslims are not one of them."
Jealousy diminishes the reward of worship. In one hadith, Rasulullah, peace be upon him, said,
"Beware of being jealous. Let it be known that jealousy will destroy rewards 'Thawabs'
just like the fire destroys wood." A jealous person will backbite and gossip the person whom
he is jealous of. He will attack his self and property. His rewards (Thawabs) will be taken away
from him and given to whom he attacked in order to compensate him, during the day of
Judgement. When a jealous person sees the blessings (Nimats) in a person whom he is jealous
of, he feels great distress and loses his sleep. Those who do good deeds will receive ten fold
rewards. Jealousy destroys nine of them and will leave only one behind. There is no sin other
than disbelief (Kufr) that will destroy all rewards of good deeds performed. Committing
prohibited actions by believing that they are not grave sins or by not paying attention to Islam or
committing prohibited actions and other things that cause disbelief and apostasy (Irtidad) will
destroy all the rewards given for for the good deeds performed. In one hadith, our Prophet, peace
be upon him, said, "Two serious illnesses of the ancient followers 'Ummats' also plagued my
followers 'Ummat': jealousy and shaving. When I say shaving, I do not mean that they
shaved the hair on their heads. I mean that they shaved their religion from the roots and
annihilated it all together. I swear to you that anyone who has no belief will never enter
Paradise. Unless you love each other, you cannot obtain belief. In order to be able to love
each other you should give greetings (Salam) to each other often."
[This hadith clearly shows the importance of exchanging greetings (Salam) and orders its
practice. When two Muslims meet each other, it is Sunnat for one of them to say "Salamun
alaikum" and it is obligatory (Fard) for the other one to reply "Wa alaikum salam". It is not
permissible (Jaiz) to greet each other with other phrases that are used by disbelievers or by hand,
body or other mimics. When two Muslims see each other from a distance such that they cannot
hear each other, it is permissible to repeat above-mentioned phrases for greetings (Salam) as
well as to greet each other by raising their right hand up to their eyebrows. When exchanging
greetings with disbelievers, it is permissible to use phrases utilized by them in order to avoid
instigation (Fitna). Raising instigation is forbidden (Haram). Not raising instigation by
following the directions given above with respect to exchanging greetings with disbelievers is
very rewarding (Thawab).]
It has been communicated, "A Muslim possesses goodness but when he becomes jealous all
the goodness departs from him." In another hadith, Rasulullah, peace be upon him, said,
"Those who are jealous, who do 'Namima' and 'Kahanat' are not one of me." "Namima" is
carrying one's words to another in order to raise instigation and cause discord among Muslims"Kahanat" is the sayings of the sooth sayers. [Those who try to predict unknown future events
are called sooth sayers (Kahin). We must not believe them.] It is apparent from this hadith that
those who are jealous will not receive the intercession (Shafa’at) of Rasulullah, peace be upon
him. They will not have rights to ask intercession.
In one hadith, Rasulullah, peace be upon him, said, "Six types of persons will be questioned
from six things, will be punished at the gathering place of the Judgment day, and then will
be thrown to hell: presidents of the states from oppression 'Zulm'; Arabic race from the
'Gayrat' for their race; leaders of the small villages from conceit 'Kibr'; businessmen from
violation of the trust or deceit; villagers from ignorance; and scholars 'Alims' from
jealousy." It is necessary for the businessman to learn the meaning of lying, interest, deceit, and
appropriating others' funds with non valid business practices and to learn how to protect himself
from these forbidden acts. Villagers and every Muslim must learn knowledge of "Ahl as-sunnat
faith" and knowledge which teaches how to do things that are necessary in the religion (Ilm alhal
knowledge). This hadith informs us that jealousy exists more among men who hold religious
positions in society. The book Tafsir al-Kabir teaches the following: "Jealousy is ten parts and
nine of them exist in men holding religious posts or men learned in religious knowledge.
Worldly difficulties are ten parts and nine of them exist in pious men 'Salih'. Abasement 'Zillat'
are ten parts and nine of them exist among Jews. Humility 'Tawazu' is ten parts and nine of them
exist among Christians. Appetite 'Shahwat' is ten parts and nine of them exist in women and one
part exists in men. Knowledge 'Ilm' is ten parts and one part is in Iraq. Belief is ten parts and nine
of them is in Yaman. Wisdom 'Aql' is ten parts and nine of them are in men. Blessings 'Barakat'
of the world is in ten parts and nine of them is in Damascus 'Sham'." Fahraddin al-Razi in his
Tafsir al-Kabir wrote of what was happening in his time. Before Rasulullah, peace be upon him,
was born, Jews, before going to war would pray, "Oh! Our Lord!, For the sake of that honorable
Prophet that you have promised to send and whom you love very much." Their prayers would be
accepted and Allahu ta’ala would help them. When Rasulullah, peace be upon him, started to
invite people to become Muslims, they understood that he was the promised Prophet but because
of their jealousy they denied him. Their jealousy lead them and all their progeny to endless
disasters, calamities and punishments.
Allahu ta’ala ordered us to protect ourselves from the wickedness (Sharr) of the devil as well as
wickedness of a jealous person.
In one hadith, Rasulullah, peace be upon him, said, "Ask for your necessities or needs from
the rich (Ahl al-nimat) in a secret manner because others will be jealous of those who
possess blessings (Nimats)." When others realize that your necessities or needs are being taken
care of, you will be exposing yourself to their jealousy. A person who has a secret has an option,
he may hide it or reveal it. Most of the time, a person who reveals his secret will live to regret it.
A person has control over his sayings until they come out of his mouth. He has the option either
tell or don’t tell but once the words come out of his mouth he is a slave of his words and will
regret it by saying that he should have never said that. Those who possess much wealth usually
will not keep a secret. There is a famous saying which states "Keep your 'Zahab', 'Zihab' and
'Madhhab' secret." [Here "Zahab" means gold, "Zihab" means belief and "Madhhab" means the
way one goes about running his affairs.]
Being jealous will not change the decree of Allahu ta’ala. A jealous person worries and tires
himself needlessly and the sins he will accumulate will be an additional loss. Hadrat Muawiya,
may Allahu ta’ala be well pleased with him, advised his son, "Beware of jealousy very much!
The damage which will be caused by being jealous will show on you faster and much more thanon your enemy." Sufyan al-Sawri, may Allahu ta’ala be pleased with him, said that those who are
not jealous will have a clear mind. No jealous person ever achieved his desires nor earned the
respect of others. Being jealous negatively effects his nervous system and shortens his life span.
Asma'i, may Allahu ta’ala be pleased with him, says: he met a villager who was 120 years old
and asked him the secret of his long life. The villager said he was never jealous of anyone!
Abullays al-Samarkandi, may Allahu ta’ala be pleased with him, said, "Prayer 'Dua' of three
types of persons will not be accepted: those who eat from forbidden 'Haram'; those who backbite,
and those who are jealous."
The person who is being the subject of jealousy will never see any loss from it in both worlds.
He may even gain some benefits. The jealous person will spend his life in misery. When he sees
that the person whom he is jealous of does not lose those blessings (Nimats) and moreover that
wealth starts to increase, he will have a nervous breakdown. A jealous person, in order to get rid
of his jealousy, should send presents, give advice (Nasihat) and praise the person whom he is
jealous of. He should show humility toward him and should pray for him so that his blessings
would increase.
