the envy between them is like the envy people feel over a sheepfold.” It is said that so-and-so and so-and-so fight for leadership like two rival males. Undoubtedly, male animals are jealous of one another, envy one another, and fight over their females, each seeking to keep the other from competing with it, just as men are jealous over their wives. Such rivalry over what Allah has commanded is forbidden.

As the Messenger of Allah, peace and blessings be upon him, said:

“Do not envy one another, sever ties with one another, or turn your backs on one another. Be brothers, O servants of Allah.”

The same applies to jealousy resembling that of co-wives.

Here, however, a potentially confusing issue may arise: certain kinds of spiritual knowledge and states may be considered unsuitable for some people. Someone may therefore feel jealous that such things should be available to a deficient person who behaves in that way,