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๐Ÿ‡ฎ๐Ÿ‡ฉ Indonesia /Health & Science

Beware of envy, the 'disease of past nations,' warns religious text

From Republika · () Indonesian

Translated from Indonesian, summarized and contextualized by DistantNews.

At a glance

News Sources not specified Context piece
  • The article warns against envy (hasad), describing it as a dangerous "disease of past nations" that opposes faith and harms relationships.
  • Envy is presented as a source of sadness, anxiety, and mental distress, leading individuals away from religious devotion and mutual love.
  • The text quotes a hadith emphasizing that envy and hatred are destructive to faith and that spreading peace is key to true belief and entering paradise.

The article strongly cautions against the destructive nature of envy, labeling it a "disease of past nations" that fundamentally conflicts with faith and Islamic principles. It asserts that envy is not merely a negative emotion but a profound spiritual ailment that erodes a believer's connection to God and their fellow human beings.

According to the text, envy breeds deep unhappiness and constant anxiety, leading to mental fatigue and fractured relationships. It is portrayed as a root cause of various heart ailments and a significant obstacle to spiritual well-being. The piece emphasizes that those who succumb to envy stray from the path of devotion and mutual affection, which are considered essential for a fulfilling life under God's guidance.

Quoting a hadith from Tirmidhi, the article highlights the severity of envy and hatred. The Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him) reportedly stated that these two traits are "shavers" โ€“ not of hair, but of one's religious devotion. The hadith further stresses that true faith requires mutual love, which can only be achieved by spreading peace among people. This serves as a stark warning that harboring envy prevents one from entering paradise and achieving complete faith.

The piece concludes by urging readers to be vigilant against this perilous trait, suggesting that safeguarding oneself from envy is crucial for both worldly peace and eternal salvation. It implies that actively practicing kindness, spreading greetings, and fostering love are the antidotes to envy and the pathways to a righteous life.

Envy and hatred have crept upon you, the diseases of past nations. These are the shavers; I do not say they shave hair, but they shave religion. By Him in whose hand is my soul, you will not enter Paradise until you believe, and you will not believe until you love one another. Shall I not tell you of something that, if you do it, you will love one another? Spread peace among yourselves.

โ€” Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him)A hadith quoted to illustrate the destructive nature of envy and hatred in Islam and the importance of spreading peace.
DistantNews Editorial

Originally published by Republika in Indonesian. Translated, summarized, and contextualized by our editorial team with added local perspective. Read our editorial standards.