by Vanessa M.

When the words “jealousy” and “envy” come to mind, do they bring you thoughts of comfort and peace? Certainly not. So when we’re engulfed in any degree of jealousy and envy, how do w feel? There’ve been many occasions when I’ve come across Muslims who were born as such, alhamdulillah, but who express feelings of jealousy towards reverts. This is a strange, yet very compelling issue that deserves some attention.

Or do they envy people for what Allah has given them of His bounty? [Quran, 4:54]

I am a revert, subhan Allah, and I feel rather confused that some Muslims feel this way about others. I know that if other reverts feel as I do, there’s so much to learn that sometimes giving up seems easier. We feel alone; some of us have no family support, or even support from our Masjids. We struggle, trying to give up our old habits to avoid major sins, and are always worried and anxious about committing minor ones we’re not aware of.

I can understand and appreciate the feelings born Muslims have, and I sometimes have to remind myself not to envy their knowledge, their beautiful and strong families, their amazing and modest culture. All of this uncertainty, anxiety, and jealousy comes only from Shaytan, trying to divide us and make us deviant.

Are we not all Muslims? Shouldn’t we all be joyous and exuberant about the growth of our creator’s most perfected religion? How can we cure our hearts, minds, and souls and purify our intentions so that we may better serve one another as one ummah?

Adopt a Revert

Instead of feeling jealous or envious of our brothers and sisters, we should be trying to teach them, inviting them to the beautifully magnificent teachings of the Quran and our beloved Prophet (saw).

It was said that the Prophet Muhammad (saw) said, No one should be jealous of anything except two people – a man whom Allah has blessed with knowledge and he teaches it; and a man who has money and he spends it in the sake of Allah. [Bukhari]

Those who were born Muslim and who are blessed to know Arabic, Quran, Hadith, and so much other beneficial Islamic knowledge should find a way to use their unique talents to share this gift with reverts who are struggling to learn. Reverts should look to those rich in knowledge, and together we can benefit by strengthening our imaan, increasing our deen, and most importantly obeying and pleasing Allah (swt).

Spread the Wealth

Wealth is not solely the amount of money or material things a person has; one can also be wealthy with knowledge. With that being said, we are commanded by Allah (swt) to give in charity. To share our wealth and the blessings only He can provide. You might not have much money, but you always have knowledge so give, give, give and Allah (swt) will reward you for all of your efforts, in shaa Allah!

It is We Who portion out between them their livelihood in this world, and We raised some of them above others in ranks, so that some may employ others in their work. But the mercy of your Lord is better. [Quran, 43:32]

In order to employ others, we must first have knowledge and secondly wealth to do so. Knowledge being the most important, Muslims who have been blessed with this gift must share this blessing for the sake of Allah. Remember that any single blessing Allah has given us He can take away, so benefit from your knowledge after death by teaching others so you start a cycle that will, in shaa allah, continue on.

Be Steadfast

Deviating from Allah’s (swt) religion once it has been revealed to us is a great sin; may Allah (swt) keep us steadfast in His religion. We should not feel anything but happiness and humility when we learn of all the new Muslims around the world.

Indeed, the religion in the sight of Allah is Islam. And those who were given the Scripture did not differ except after knowledge had come to them— out of jealous animosity between themselves. And whoever disbelieves in the verses of Allah , then indeed, Allah is swift in [taking] account. [Quran, 3:19]

Do not let Shaytan divide us! This is his mission, and we as Muslims have Allah (swt) who will lead us aright in times we are unsure, and protect us in times we are vulnerable. If you are facing difficulty inside yourself, offer salah, read Quran, and trust Allah (swt). Let us not be of those divided by hatred and resentment!

I want to make something very clear here. We are all born Muslims, alhamdulillah! If we’re guided, it’s only by the will of Allah (swt). Islam is beautiful, and whether you were born a Muslim, or embraced Islam in your twenties, forties, or even sixties, say alhamdulillah! Our hearts should be so full of love for this immense blessing that we should have no room for jealousy or envy.

Say, I seek refuge in the Lord of daybreak

From the evil of that which He created

And from the evil of darkness when it settles

And from the evil of the blowers in knots

And from the evil of an envier when he envies.   [Quran, 113:1-5]

Ameen.

Praying you will benefit.

Vanessa is studying Islam, health, and natural healing and prays to inspire the ummah by conveying the true message of Islam through her writing.