In this article from Saed News, we will introduce you to hadiths about envy-free admiration (ghibtah). Stay with Saed News.
Definition of Ghibtah
Ghibtah, or envy-free admiration, refers to the desire to have a blessing similar to what someone else possesses—without wishing for that blessing to be taken away from the other person. The key difference between ghibtah and hasad (envy) is that while the hasid (envious person) wishes for the blessing to vanish from the other, the person who experiences ghibtah simply wishes for the same blessing, without any malice.
Ghibtah is considered a praiseworthy quality and, according to a narration from Imam Sadiq (a), it is counted among the signs of a true believer. Islamic narrations define what is worthy of admiration and what is not. For example, Imam Ali (a) said that the person who spends his life obeying God is worthy of admiration, while Imam Sadiq (a) condemned admiration for worldly wealth.
In Islamic jurisprudence, the concept of ghibtah is also used in discussions about legal guardianship (in relation to a child, orphan, or mentally incapacitated person) and the handling of trusts, where it implies acting in the best interest or benefit of the person.
1.
Imam Sadiq (a) said:
"Indeed, the believer admires (ghibtah) and does not envy, and the hypocrite envies and does not admire."
(Ghibtah is when you wish to have what someone else has without desiring the loss of that blessing for them. Hasad (envy) is when you want that blessing to be removed from the other.)
Reference: Al-Kafi, vol. 2, p. 307, hadith 7
2.
Imam Sadiq (a) said:
"Whoever’s today is better than his yesterday, he is worthy of admiration."
Reference: Ma’ani al-Akhbar, p. 342
3.
Imam Sadiq (a) told some of his followers:
"You must observe piety, strive hard, speak truthfully, be trustworthy, and firmly hold onto your faith. Truly, each of you will be admired (ghibtah) at the moment your soul reaches here (pointing to his throat)."
Reference: Da‘a’im al-Islam, vol. 1, p. 66
1.
Imam Ali (a) said:
"The most admirable of people is the one who races to do good deeds."
Reference: Ghurar al-Hikam, p. 105, hadith 1873
2.
Imam Ali (a) said:
"None is truly worthy of admiration except one whose concern is with his own self—who constantly holds himself accountable and strives to better himself."
Reference: Ghurar al-Hikam, p. 236, hadith 4750
3.
Imam Ali (a) said:
"The truly deceived is one who wastes his life, and the truly admirable is one who spends his life in obedience to his Lord."
Reference: Ghurar al-Hikam, p. 160, hadith 3061
In ghibtah, a person wishes to possess a blessing similar to what someone else has, without desiring its removal from them. In contrast, a hasid (envious person) wants that blessing to be taken away.
Ibn Abi al-Hadid explains: “Envy is when one becomes angry at someone else's blessing and wishes for it to disappear and come to him instead. Ghibtah, however, is not being upset at someone else’s provision and not desiring its removal—only wishing to have the same.”
Ghibtah is a moral virtue and a commendable trait, while hasad is considered one of the worst spiritual diseases, leading to worldly consequences and punishment in the Hereafter. The Quran and many hadiths condemn envy.
Ghibtah is different from hasrah, or regret. Hasrah refers to intense sorrow over something that has been lost. It’s an emotional reaction, often experienced when someone feels they’ve missed an opportunity or lost a benefit.
