is not his, dragging the matter before the judge and swearing to it. Such a person—Allah’s refuge is sought—will meet Allah while He is angry with him. And there are many other issues that the Companions counted among the destructive sins, yet people have come to regard them as finer than a strand of hair. The reason is that the stronger one’s faith, the more serious a sin appears to him; the weaker the faith, the lighter the sin seems in his heart, so he takes matters lightly, neglects what is obligatory, and shows no concern—because his faith is weak.
- Fifth: Abu Hurayrah—may Allah be pleased with him—reported that the Prophet, peace and blessings be upon him, said: “Allah, exalted be He, feels jealousy, and the jealousy of Allah is that a believer commits what Allah has forbidden for him.” Agreed upon.
Al-ghirah—with a fatḥah on the ghayn—originally means self-respect and protectiveness.
Explanation: The author—may Allah have mercy on him—relayed from Abu Hurayrah—may Allah be pleased with him—that the Prophet, peace and blessings be upon him, said, “Indeed, Allah feels jealousy, and the jealousy of Allah is that a person commits what Allah has prohibited.” His phrase “mahārimuhu” refers to Allah’s sanctities. Jealousy (ghirah) is a real attribute affirmed for Allah, Mighty and Majestic, but it is not like our jealousy; rather