Chapter: The Prohibition of Envy – that is, wishing for the blessing to be taken away from its possessor, whether the blessing concerns religion or worldly life.

Allah the Exalted says, “Or do they envy people for what Allah has granted them of His bounty?” (Qur’an 4:54). The ḥadith of Anas cited in the previous chapter also relates to this topic.

1569 – Abu Hurayrah (may Allah be pleased with him) reported that the Prophet ﷺ said, “Beware of envy, for envy consumes good deeds just as fire consumes wood – or, he said, grass.” Narrated by Abū Dāwūd.

[Commentary]
Imām al-Nawawī (may Allah have mercy on him) writes in Riyāḍ al-Ṣāliḥīn: “Chapter: The Prohibition of Envy.”

Envy (ḥasad) is to resent the favour Allah has bestowed upon another person—whether it be knowledge, wealth, family, status, or anything else. Envy ranks among the major sins and is one of the traits of the Jews, Allah’s protection be upon us. Concerning them, Allah says, “Many of the People of the Scripture wish to turn you back to disbelief after you have believed, out of envy from themselves” (Qur’an 2:109). He also says, “Or do they envy people for what Allah has granted them of His bounty? Indeed, We gave the family of Abraham the Scripture and wisdom, and We granted them a tremendous kingdom” (Qur’an 4:54).

The Prophet ﷺ cautioned against envy, explaining that it devours good deeds just as fire devours grass—or, he said, wood. Moreover, harbouring envy entails objecting to Allah’s decree and predestination, for the envier is not content