It was narrated that one of the Prophet’s companions (Sa’d) said: “If I saw a man with my wife, I would strike him with my sword”
Prophet Muhammad said: “Are you surprised at the jealousy of Sa‘d? I swear, I am more jealous than him, and Allah is more jealous than me. Allah forbade immoral deeds, whether secret or in public”
The Prophet (PBUH) said: “Allah has jealousy, and the jealousy of Allah is when a believer does something that Allah has forbidden.”
What is the meaning of jealousy? Why is Allah Jealous? Let’s continue through this article to learn more.
Meaning Of Jealousy
Jealousy (الغَيْرةُ ) basically means A man’s aversion to sharing what is rightfully his (Good Jealousy) – or, what he thinks it should be his (Harmful Jealousy).
Types Of Jealousy
Jealousy is not one thing; it is two major types. Simply, a Good one and a Harmful one.
The Harmful Jealousy
The Harmful bad jealousy is to feel anger towards someone who had something good and Halal happened to him, and didn’t cause you any harm. The anger is accompanied by envy and sometimes eagerness to cause harm.
This type of Jealousy is forbidden in Islam. God said in the Quran blaming disbelievers:
”Or do they envy the people for Allah’s bounties?”
He also said:
“Many among the People of the Book wish they could turn you ˹believers˺ back to disbelief because of their envy, after the truth has been made clear to them”
The Good Jealousy
The Good jealousy is to feel anger towards someone doing something haram (forbidden) in your zone of influence or within your property.
This type of jealousy God loves and rewards for it; when you seek His reward.
And that’s the Jealousy Prophet Muhammad (PBUH) acknowledged when Sa’d said:
“If I saw a man with my wife, I would strike him with my sword”
God’s Jealousy
Then, what is God’s Jealousy after all?
God is Unique and different, He is not like human beings. When God sees everything, He doesn’t use created eyes like we do. When God hears everything, He doesn’t use confined ears like we have. Likewise, when God is jealous, He is different from a man who is jealous.
However, we can better understand God’s Jealousy through this definition: “Jealousy is someone’s aversion to sharing what is rightfully his”
What is God’s right? Listen to this!
Prophet Muhammad (PBUH) said: “Do you know what is the right of Allah upon His slaves, and what is the Right of His slaves upon Allah?”
“Allah’s Right upon His slaves is that they should worship Him Alone and associate nothing with Him; His slaves’ right upon Him is that He should not punish who does not associate a thing with Him.”
Now we can understand this Hadith
“Allah has jealousy, and the jealousy of Allah is when the believer does something that Allah has forbidden.”
If jealousy Is A Sin, Why Is God Jealous?
Jealousy is not always a sin; it could be a rightful deed. However, Allah’s jealousy is among his perfectionism and superiority over His creation.
Allah loves his believers, and loves them to be rightful and away from forbidden deeds all the time. When a believer does a forbidden deed or associates someone other than Allah, His jealousy is out of His Love to His slaves and His ultimate care.
Thus, Allah’s jealousy is perfect and wise!
Conclusion – Allah’s jealousy is perfect, just, and rooted in His mercy!
Understanding Allah’s jealousy helps us see His divine wisdom and boundless love for His creation. Unlike human jealousy, which can be flawed and selfish, Allah’s jealousy is perfect, just, and rooted in His mercy. It is His way of protecting His servants from harm, guiding them toward righteousness, and ensuring that His right to be worshipped alone is honored.
When we reflect on this concept, we realize that Allah’s jealousy is not about rivalry, but about safeguarding His servants from destruction. It is a sign of His care, His justice, and His unwavering commitment to guiding us toward what is best. Recognizing this should not only strengthen our faith but also deepen our love and devotion to Him. Let us strive to live in a way that pleases Him, embracing His guidance and avoiding what He has forbidden, for His jealousy is a reflection of His unmatched perfection and divine wisdom.
