Destructive Jealousy

There is no doubt that people differ in their temperaments and behaviors, and in the way they interact with one another. Some are calm and moderate, while others are irritable, envious, or conceited, among other traits that humans acquire through their surrounding environment or that are innate and inherited. Some of these traits manifest as psychological disorders, clearly visible in individuals who are arrogant, conceited, and disdainful toward others, regardless of gender. The amusing and strange aspect is that everyone around such a person is aware and fully conscious of their bad behavior, yet the individual themselves is oblivious to what they do or consider it perfectly normal. This is the core of the problem, as they will pass these traits on to their children, allowing the process to expand and these odious characteristics to spread among people.

Here, I am not referring to righteous jealousy regarding property, family, or honor—matters that are commendable and praiseworthy when kept within reasonable bounds. What I mean is jealousy stemming from envy and malice, especially when combined with the individual being envious, conceited, and ignorant, or exhibiting stupidity. Those around them mock him, yet he lives in arrogance, believing himself superior to all humanity. This is undoubtedly a disease that grows and intensifies with the person, making him disliked by others. People avoid him, while he mistakenly believes they respect or fear him. In reality, they are annoyed by him and try to avoid him as much as possible.

It is remarkable that most of those characterized by envy and jealousy lack nothing, yet they envy people who are inferior to them in every respect. This condemnable trait knows no distinction between close and distant relatives, or between the young and the old. You will find some envying their brother, or even their son or father, let alone their relatives and friends. We see these individuals with condemnable traits every day in our lives, whether at work, in educational settings, or among our relatives. The only cure for them is to stay away from them and ignore them as much as possible, because getting close to them brings worry, distress, and bitterness to a person.

This does not mean that our society differs significantly from other societies, as both commendable and condemnable traits exist in all countries and among all peoples. However, I am convinced that we live in a healthy society whose members are aware and conscious of their surroundings, and who reject all shameful behaviors and actions that our forefathers and ancestors, who built this nation on love, loyalty, and solidarity, did not practice. We ask God for guidance and success for all.

[email protected]