Tamannī Zawāl al-Niʿma
Definition
Tamanni zawal al-niʿma — the wish for the removal of another's blessing — is the specific distinguishing feature of hasad that makes it a sin rather than merely an unfortunate feeling. Al-Ghazali makes clear that feeling pain at another's blessing is not in itself a sin — feelings arise involuntarily and are not directly subject to moral evaluation. The sin is in the wish that the blessing be removed and in the actions that flow from that wish: backbiting the envied person, feeling pleased at their misfortunes, and actively working to undermine their good fortune. The therapeutic work is to address the wish, not to pretend the pain does not exist.
As understood in the classical tradition of Imam al-Ghazali and the scholars of his school.
Appears in
1 book in the library
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