In our fast-paced world, where material success often dominates our aspirations, the teachings of Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him) provide a timeless reminder of what truly deserves our admiration and envy. One such teaching is encapsulated in the hadith:
لاَ حَسَدَ إِلاَّ فِي اثْنَتَيْنِ رَجُلٌ آتَاهُ اللَّهُ مَالاً فَسُلِّطَ عَلَى هَلَكَتِهِ فِي الْحَقِّ، وَرَجُلٌ آتَاهُ اللَّهُ الْحِكْمَةَ، فَهْوَ يَقْضِي بِهَا وَيُعَلِّمُهَا
"There is no envy except in two cases: a man whom Allah has given wealth, and he spends it righteously; and a man to whom Allah has given wisdom, and he acts according to it and teaches it to others."**
This hadith emphasizes that the only form of envy permissible in Islam is the kind that inspires us to strive for the qualities that bring us closer to Allah and benefit humanity. It urges us to admire and emulate those who use their God-given resources—whether material wealth or wisdom—in a way that serves the greater good.
Wealth Spent in the Path of Righteousness
Throughout history, there have been many individuals who exemplified the virtue of using wealth in the service of others. One of the most prominent examples is **Abdul Rahman Ibn Auf**, one of the ten companions of the Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him) who were promised Paradise. Abdul Rahman was known for his immense wealth, yet he never allowed it to consume him. Instead, he used it generously for the benefit of the Muslim community.
When the Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him) migrated to Medina, Abdul Rahman was paired with Sa'd ibn Rabi'ah, an Ansari (helper) who offered him half of his wealth. Abdul Rahman declined the offer, instead choosing to establish himself independently. Through hard work, he amassed great wealth but did not hoard it for personal gain. He contributed significantly to the Islamic cause, including financing expeditions, freeing slaves, and supporting the poor. His wealth was a means to an end—serving Allah and His creation.
Wisdom Used to Benefit Others
The second category of envy-worthy individuals are those who are blessed with wisdom and use it to benefit others. A shining example from history is **Imam Abu Hanifa**, the founder of the Hanafi school of thought in Islamic jurisprudence. Imam Abu Hanifa was not just a scholar but a man of profound wisdom who used his knowledge to guide and educate others.
His life was marked by an unwavering commitment to justice and the dissemination of knowledge. Despite facing persecution and imprisonment, Imam Abu Hanifa continued to teach and spread his understanding of Islamic law. His students, who included some of the most prominent scholars in Islamic history, carried forward his legacy, ensuring that his wisdom continued to benefit generations of Muslims.
Imam Abu Hanifa’s approach to jurisprudence was characterized by deep insight, practicality, and an emphasis on the welfare of the community. His teachings have had a lasting impact on the Muslim world, influencing not only legal thought but also the way Muslims live their daily lives.
Lessons for Today
In our contemporary context, this hadith serves as a powerful reminder of what we should truly aspire to achieve. Wealth and wisdom are both blessings from Allah, but they come with responsibilities. The hadith encourages us to reflect on how we use our resources. Do we hoard wealth for ourselves, or do we spend it in ways that benefit others? Do we keep our knowledge to ourselves, or do we share it to help guide and uplift those around us?
The envy mentioned in this hadith is not the destructive kind that wishes harm or loss to others. Rather, it is an aspirational form of envy—one that motivates us to seek similar virtues in our own lives. It challenges us to ask ourselves: how can we use the blessings we've been given to make a positive impact on the world?
In a time when materialism and self-interest often overshadow the greater good, this hadith invites us to reorient our focus towards what truly matters. By emulating the examples of Abdul Rahman Ibn Auf and Imam Abu Hanifa, we can strive to be individuals whose wealth and wisdom are not just personal assets but communal blessings.
The hadith, "There is no envy except in two cases," is a profound teaching that reminds us of the true purpose of wealth and wisdom. It calls us to admire and emulate those who use their resources to benefit others, and in doing so, draws us closer to Allah. Let us take this teaching to heart and strive to be among those who, like the great figures of history, use our blessings to make the world a better place.
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