Sheikh Bandar Baleela Warns Against the Dangers of Envy in Friday Sermon at the Grand Mosque
On Friday, 13 Rabi Al-Awwal 1447 AH, Sheikh Dr. Bandar bin Abdulaziz Baleela, Imam and Khateeb of the Grand Mosque in Makkah, delivered a sermon focusing on the destructive nature of envy (hasad) and its severe consequences for both individuals and society.
Sheikh Baleela described envy as a spiritual disease that robs people of peace of mind and fills their hearts with hatred and resentment. He explained that envy manifests in wishing for the removal of blessings from others, whether or not the envier gains from it. This, he noted, leads to discontent with Allah’s decree and ingratitude for His blessings.
He reminded worshippers that envy was the root cause of the first sin in heaven, when Satan envied Adam عليه السلام, and also the first crime on earth, when Qabil killed his brother Habil out of envy. The Prophet Muhammad ﷺ also warned that envy and hatred are destructive diseases that afflicted past nations and can destroy faith.
Citing hadiths, Sheikh Baleela emphasized that Muslims must avoid envy, hatred, and severing ties, and instead spread peace and brotherhood. He distinguished between destructive envy and positive envy (ghibta), where a believer wishes to have the same blessings as another without wishing for their removal.
The Imam concluded by advising worshippers to seek refuge in Allah from the evil of their own souls, to frequently pray for purified hearts, and to ask Allah for the best of character while avoiding the worst. Sending peace and prayers upon the Prophet ﷺ, he added, helps purify hearts and brings immense rewards.
Source: الحرمين | وكالة شؤون الأئمة والمؤذنين
