Jealousy

Jealousy is an emotion everyone has. It is the hurt feeling we sometimes, experience, because we long for something that another person has. We may be jealous because of someone’s beauty, intelligence, popularity, clothes, wealth, toys, etc. A jealous person not only wants to possess what the other person has, but he wants that person to be deprived of his possession. Sometimes a jealous person might even go out of their way to hurt the person they are jealous of. My mom told me that a jealous person can’t see anyone happy because they are not happy. Thus, they make people’s lives unhappy and miserable. Allah (SWT) also says in Surah al-Falaq Ayah 5“from the mischief of the jealous person as he practices jealousy.”

Jealousy can break up friendships, start wars, and most of all hurt people. Jealousy begins with resentment toward a person who has been blessed with God’s bounties. He may steal and harm the person to get what he wants. A jealous person is never grateful to Allah nor is he patient. It is important to remember that jealousy is a sneaky trap of the Shaitan. We must all be careful and try not to harm anyone, even when you’re jealous.

Allah has a reason for everything He does. He is trying to test us to see if we pass or fail. As Muslims, we should always be humble, patient, and most of all thankful to God. We shouldn’t ask for more and be a greedy person. We should look below us to see how other’s lives are.

Forgiveness and Reconciliation

Revenge is the worst thing that you can plan against somebody who has done something bad to you. Surah Al-Fussilat Ayah 34 says “The good deed and the evil deed are not alike. Repel the evil deed with one that is better, then lo!, the person who was your enemy may become like a close friend.” A Muslim should always have an open mind and heart when dealing with offensive people. Sometimes people may irritate you, but you should control yourself with your actions.

We may unintentionally or intentionally hurt someone’s feelings. We must always ask for forgiveness from Allah and that person we hurt. You should also accept forgiveness. Holding grudges is the worst thing because when it builds up, you will blow up. Muhammad (S) said, “It is not allowed for a man to keep apart from his brother more than three days, each of them turning away from each other when they meet. The better of the two is the one who is the first to give a greeting.” Muslim

We should never let small differences of opinion break up relationships. Sometimes, you have to let it go and reconcile our differences. We should always try to persuade one another to live in peace and forgive. Allah (SWT) says in Surah Al-Hujurat Ayah 10 says “The Believers are but a single brotherhood: so make peace and reconciliation between your two contending that you brothers; and fear Allah that you may receive Mercy.” It is our duty as Muslims to stay united peacefully. I have a saying for you: “Just forgive and forget…Move on with the future.”

Gratitude, Patience, and Endurance

Everyone goes through misfortunes and good times during their life time. Facing hardships makes a person stronger. It also teaches us important lessons in patience and endurance. Imagine that you are a bird with two wings. If one wing is broken, you can’t fly. This analogy goes with the concepts of patience and gratefulness. During good times, Allah (SWT) tests us to see if we are grateful to Him. During bad times, Allah tests our patience. Sabr versus Shukr!! Surah Al-Baqarah Ayahs 155 to 157 proves this.
Gratitude and patience are the mark of a true Mumin. When something bad happens, right away he is thankful to Allah. He doesn’t question Allah about what has happened, but waits patiently. The Quraan and hadeeth advics us about this concept. Surah Al-Imran Ayah 200 says “O belivers be patient and be better than others in patience, and support each other to do right, and ne conscious of Allah; that you may succeed."
Prophet Muhammed (S) said, "Wondorous are the believer’s affairs, for there is good in all his affairs and this is so only for the Mumin. When something bad pleasing happens to him, he is grateful to Allah and that is good for him, and when something displeasing happens to him, he perseveres patiently, and that is good for him.” Muslim