Why is jealousy among women unpardonable and a sign of faith in men?
In Islamic thought, the concepts of jealousy and envy are often discussed in relation to gender. The hadith narrations from Shia sources highlight a distinction between jealousy and envy, particularly as they relate to women.
In one narration, Abu Ja'far (peace be upon him) states, Women’s jealousy is envy, and envy is the root of disbelief. When women become jealous, they get angry, and when they become angry, they disbelieve—except for the believing women among them.
Al-Kafi 3:948. This suggests that jealousy in women, characterized as envy, can lead to negative emotions and actions that are seen as detrimental to faith.
On the other hand, jealousy is portrayed as a quality that can be associated with men. One narration states, Jealousy belongs only to men; as for women, it is merely envy
Al-Kafi 3:945. This differentiation implies that men are tested with jealousy due to their allowance to have multiple wives, whereas women are expected to be faithful to one husband. This framework supports the view that jealousy in men is an inherent quality that can be seen as a sign of faith, as it is tied to their responsibilities and rights in relationships.
These interpretations reflect a broader theological understanding that associates different emotional responses with gender roles in Islam, emphasizing how societal and religious expectations shape the perception of these feelings.
Sources
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Al-Kafi 3:948
Al-Kafi · Book 3, Hadith 948
I asked him about a person in tamattu‘ who trimmed his nails and took some hair from his head with scissors. He said: There is no harm. Not everyone finds skin (to shave). — OR — Jabir said: Abu Ja'far (peace be upon him) said, 'Women’s jealousy is envy, and envy is the root of disbelief. When women become jealous, they get angry, and when they become angry, they disbelieve—except for the believing women among them.'
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Al-Kafi 3:945
Al-Kafi · Book 3, Hadith 945
I asked Abu Abdullah (peace be upon him) about a man who circumambulates the House and runs between Safa and Marwa: is it permissible that he perform a voluntary tawaf before shortening his hair? He said: I do not like that. — OR — He said: 'Jealousy belongs only to men; as for women, it is merely envy. Jealousy is peculiar to men. For this reason, Allah prohibited women except from their husbands, and permitted men up to four wives. Indeed, Allah is more honorable to test them with jealousy and permit men three more alongside it.'
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