Subject: [Masjid Tucson] Submission weekly reminder

In the name of God, Most Gracious, Most Merciful

Peace be upon you,

[Quran 15:45-47] As for the righteous, they will enjoy gardens and springs.
Enter therein, peaceful and secure.
We remove all jealousy from their hearts. Like one family, they will be on adjacent furnishings.


Among the blessings in Paradise is the removal of all jealousy from the hearts of the righteous. In this world, however, we need to be mindful of jealousy, and seek God's help to avoid and overcome it.

Most of us have a sense of how jealousy can hurt the soul. Looking into jealousy further, some authors write that jealousy involves fearing losing what one has, while envy is thought to be the desire for something someone else has. The words are often used interchangeably, perhaps because people can experience both at the same time. Jealousy can cause feelings of insecurity, fear, anger, resentment, inadequacy, disgust and helplessness. Jealousy is capable of not only consuming the individual but can also spread to others. Jealousy can become an obsession--making it an idol besides God. Jealous people may want others to give up on what is good (Quran 2:109). Or they may deny the worth of righteousness and God's message (Quran 3:19, 45:17). May God protect us.

How do we deal with jealousy? The first step is to acknowledge our shortcomings and not let jealousy fester. We must seek refuge in God when we feel the first stirring of jealousy. Instead of looking at what others have, let us trust that whatever God gave us is what is best for us.

May God help us fulfill His commandment: [Quran 57:23] Thus, you should not grieve over anything you miss, nor be proud of anything He has bestowed upon you. GOD does not love those who are boastful, proud.


References
The Danger of Jealousy, https://www.masjidtucson.org/publications/books/sp/2022/sep/page1.html
Jealousy, a disease, https://www.masjidtucson.org/publications/books/sp/2014/aug/page2.html

Peace.