Is this hadith authentic?

This hadith is graded Da'if. The grade indicates the level of authenticity based on the chain of narration and content analysis.

Which collection is this hadith from?

This hadith is from Sunan Ibn Majah, which contains 4,345 hadiths across 38 books. It is hadith number 3946 in the Book of Zuhd.

I searched for a different number — is this the right hadith?

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#3945

#3946

Sunan Ibn Majah

#3947

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Sunan Ibn Majah #3946

Q: What is Sunan Ibn Majah 3946 about?

This hadith from Sunan Ibn Majah (Book of Zuhd), narrated by It was narrated from ‘Abdullah bin Mas’ud that the Messenger of Allah (ﷺ) said:, states: "“There is no (permissible) envy except in two cases: A man whom Allah has given wealth and caused him to dispose of it in a proper manner, and a man to whom Allah has given wisdom, and he acts in acco…"

Zuhd

Da'if

The Arabic includes the chain of narration (sanad) and the collector's commentary; the English translation shows the Prophet's words only.

حَدَّثَنَا مُحَمَّدُ بْنُ عَبْدِ اللَّهِ بْنِ نُمَيْرٍ، حَدَّثَنَا أَبِي وَمُحَمَّدُ بْنُ بِشْرٍ، قَالاَ حَدَّثَنَا إِسْمَاعِيلُ بْنُ أَبِي خَالِدٍ، عَنْ قَيْسِ بْنِ أَبِي حَازِمٍ، عَنْ عَبْدِ اللَّهِ بْنِ مَسْعُودٍ، قَالَ قَالَ رَسُولُ اللَّهِ ـ صلى الله عليه وسلم ـ ‏ "‏ لاَ حَسَدَ إِلاَّ فِي اثْنَتَيْنِ رَجُلٌ آتَاهُ اللَّهُ مَالاً فَسَلَّطَهُ عَلَى هَلَكَتِهِ فِي الْحَقِّ وَرَجُلٌ آتَاهُ اللَّهُ حِكْمَةً فَهُوَ يَقْضِي بِهَا وَيُعَلِّمُهَا ‏"‏ ‏.‏

“There is no (permissible) envy except in two cases: A man whom Allah has given wealth and caused him to dispose of it in a proper manner, and a man to whom Allah has given wisdom, and he acts in accordance with it and teaches it (to others).”

Narrated by It was narrated from ‘Abdullah bin Mas’ud that the Messenger of Allah (ﷺ) said:

Context

In this hadith, the Prophet Muhammad (ﷺ) addresses the concept of permissible envy, stating that it is only acceptable in two specific cases: when one sees another using wealth for good or wisdom being applied and taught. This highlights the value of using one's blessings for the benefit of others and encourages a positive form of envy that inspires personal growth.

Modern Application

Today, this principle can inspire individuals to appreciate the success of others while motivating them to use their resources and knowledge for good. Instead of harboring negative feelings, people can channel their admiration into actions that contribute positively to their communities.

Topics

This hadith is tagged with Good Deeds and Envy because it outlines the acceptable forms of envy that encourage the pursuit of righteousness and wisdom.

Good Deeds Envy