Sheikh Dedu explains the danger of envy and ways to treat the diseases of the heart
Sheikh Mohammed Al-Hassan Ould Dedu warns about the dangers of envy and discusses its origins, consequences, and remedies in a Ramadan program on Al Jazeera.
Sheikh Mohammed Al-Hassan Ould Dedu, the head of the Scientific Training Center in Mauritania, addressed the dangers of envy during an episode of "Sharia and Life in Ramadan" on Al Jazeera. He emphasized that envy is one of the most dangerous diseases of the heart, negatively impacting individuals and communities. It poisons relationships with God and breeds animosity among people. He elaborated on how envy often stems from weak faith and discontent with one's fate, as well as from inflated egos and a desire to excel over others.
In his discussion, Sheikh Dedu defined envy as wishing for the loss of blessings from others, which is seen as a complaint against God's distribution of provisions. He highlighted that religious texts warn against this ailment, noting that it consumes good deeds and corrupts actions, causing the envious person to experience constant anxiety and pain when observing the blessings of others. He differentiated between envy and admiration, explaining that while envy is harmful, admiration (ghibta) is permissible as it involves wishing for similar blessings without wishing them away from others, especially in areas of goodness such as knowledge and charity.
Furthermore, Sheikh Dedu pointed out that envy can infiltrate homes, workplaces, and relationships, particularly during competitive comparisons. Therefore, he stressed the importance of understanding and mitigating the effects of envy, promoting a spirit of gratitude and contentment as antidotes to this detrimental emotion. This discussion serves as a timely reminder in the context of personal development and spiritual health in contemporary society.