The Meanings and Distinctions of Envy, Admiration, and Greed
Authored by: Dr. Raza Abdullah Pasha حفظہ اللہ
❖ Question:
What is the difference between ḥasad (envy), rashk (admiration/aspiration), and ḥirṣ (greed)?
❖ Answer:
✿ Ḥasad (Envy):
When a person sees a blessing upon his brother and wishes that it be taken away from him and transferred to himself, or at the very least, that the other person be deprived of it.
✿ Rashk (Admiration/Aspiration):
When a person sees a blessing upon someone and wishes to be granted a similar blessing as well. In rashk, there is no desire for the other person to lose his blessing.
- The first (ḥasad) is blameworthy, while the second (rashk) is praiseworthy.
- The statement of the Noble Prophet ﷺ proves this:
«لا حسد إلا فى الاثنتين»
“Envy (i.e., rashk) is allowed only in two cases.”
[Ṣaḥīḥ al-Bukhārī, Ḥadīth no. 73 | Ṣaḥīḥ Muslim, Ḥadīth no. 816]
✿ Ḥirṣ (Greed/Intense Desire):
It is the intensity of intention and the pursuit of acquiring what is desired. It has two types:
① Ḥirṣ Fājiʿ (Destructive Greed):
This is when a person craves the world, engages in it excessively, endures hardships for it, and remains restless due to its love.
② Ḥirṣ Nāfiʿ (Beneficial Greed):
This is the greed for the love of Allah Almighty and the fear of losing it. This is called beneficial greed.
