Hasad, the Envy: Some Psychological, Spiritual and Social Dimensions

Abstract

When moral conduct among the individuals gets deteriorated, its bad effects are not confined to them only but extend to others as well. The entire community and the whole society face the consequences of its adverse effects resulting in the degradation of social well-being, solidarity, and tranquility. Moreover, there are some moral vices which give rise to numerous other evils as they are contagious in their nature, i.e., evil has a natural tendency to give rise to other evils. For example, tale-bearing gives rise to backbiting, slander; miserliness to selfishness, hard-heartedness, unkindness; arrogance to belligerence, despising others, accusing others of imperfections, denial of truth, no appreciation for the good qualities of others, and so on. In the same way, envy gives rise to hatred, enmity, hostility, slander, backbiting, theft, murder, resentment, miserliness, etc. In this background, the present paper attempts at explaining the nature, essence, and kinds of envy. The harms and evils of this moral vice will also be explored. The ways and methods of curing this moral disease are also taken care of in this paper. A list of habits that should be cultivated and given currency is given at the end of the paper in order to eradicate envy from selves (nufūs) so as to make individual as well as social life happy, prosperous, and peaceful. The tips and methods used to eradicate moral vices like rancor, hatred, enmity, and evil intentions from the individual and collective human life, will be deliberated upon along with the ways and means to cultivate moral virtues like love, compassion, sympathy, and sincerity to create an atmosphere of peace and cordiality.