Grade 10 islamic religious education Akhlaq – Prohibitions in Islam Notes
Akhlaq — Prohibitions in Islam: Hasad (Envy) & Kibr (Pride)
- Explain the causes of hasad (envy) and kibr (pride) for self‑management.
- Examine the effects of hasad and kibr to promote precautionary morality.
- Describe measures of curbing hasad and kibr for a morally healthy society.
- Appreciate the prohibition of hasad and kibr for harmonious coexistence.
Key terms & brief definitions
- Hasad (Envy): Feeling pain or wishing harm because someone else has a blessing, favour, or success.
- Kibr (Pride/Arrogance): Thinking oneself superior to others, looking down on people, or refusing to admit mistakes.
- Akhlaq: Good character, morality and behaviour taught in Islam.
Qur'anic & Prophetic guidance (short)
Against envy: "And wish not for that by which Allah has made some of you to excel others." (Qur'an 4:32) — teaches contentment and fairness.
Against arrogance: "And do not turn your cheek [in contempt] toward people nor walk through the earth exultantly." (Luqman 31:18)
Hadith: The Prophet (peace be upon him) said, "None of you truly believes until he loves for his brother what he loves for himself" (Sahih al‑Bukhari & Muslim) — cure for envy. Also: "No one who has an atom's weight of arrogance in his heart will enter Paradise" (Sahih Muslim).
Causes of Hasad and Kibr (for self‑management)
Common causes of hasad (envy)
- Low self‑esteem or insecurity (feeling "less than").
- Over‑attachment to material things (phones, clothes, wealth).
- Social comparison (on social media, school, community).
- Lack of gratitude (forgetting Allah’s blessing).
- Poor understanding of divine decree (qadar) and tests.
Common causes of kibr (pride)
- Excessive praise or power (feeling untouchable).
- Success without humility (exam results, sports wins).
- Desire to impress peers (status, clothes, car).
- Ignorance of one’s weaknesses and dependence on Allah.
Effects of Hasad & Kibr — why Islam prohibits them
- On the individual: Spiritual harm (distance from Allah), harshness of heart, anxiety, sin.
- On relationships: Broken friendships, jealousy, plotting, backbiting and violence.
- On society: Division, envy‑driven conflicts, social injustice, arrogance leading to oppression.
- On faith and success: Pride blinds one to mistakes; envy prevents cooperation and sincere dua (prayer).
Measures to curb Hasad & Kibr — practical steps for students (Kenyan context)
- Increase gratitude (Shukr): Keep a weekly gratitude list — thank Allah for small and big things (health, family, education). Schools can start classes with a "shukr minute".
- Remember the temporary nature of this world: Reflect on mortality and the test of life — helps reduce pride and envy for worldly gains.
- Make dua and seek refuge: Ask Allah to remove envy and arrogance. Teach short, simple duas in class.
- Praise and celebrate others: Practice congratulating classmates for their achievements (sports, KCSE/KCPE examples, competitions).
- Humility exercises: Volunteer in community service (help at mosque, feed the needy, join school community projects) to build empathy.
- Limit unhealthy comparisons: Reduce time on social media that triggers envy; follow accounts that teach positive values.
- Seek constructive feedback: Accept correction from teachers and parents to reduce arrogance.
- Role models: Learn about humble companions of the Prophet and modern Kenyan Muslims known for humility and service.
Suggested learning experiences (activities)
1. Class discussion & case study (30–40 min)
Present a short Kenya‑based scenario: a student envies a peer who has a new phone and spreads rumours to damage their reputation. Discuss causes, consequences and Islamic responses. Students work in small groups and present solutions.
2. Role‑play (20–30 min)
Students act out scenes showing pride (refusing to help a classmate) and envy (complaining about another's success). After each role‑play, the class identifies better, Islamic responses.
3. Gratitude journal (ongoing for 2 weeks)
Each student writes three things they are grateful for every day. At the end, share how gratitude changed feelings about others' success.
4. Community service project
Organise a one‑day service (cleaning a mosque or helping a local centre). Reflect on how serving others reduces pride and envy.
5. Memorise & reflect
Memorise short relevant ayahs and hadiths (Qur'an 4:32; Luqman 31:18; the hadiths mentioned earlier). Students explain in their own words how these guide behaviour.
Assessment ideas
- Short answer: Define hasad and kibr; list two causes and two effects of each.
- Scenario question: Given a school situation where envy causes conflict, write three Islamic remedies to restore harmony.
- Reflection journal entry: Describe a time you felt envy or pride and how you would handle it differently using Islamic teachings.
- Group presentation: Plan a school campaign to reduce arrogance and promote humility (poster, pledge, assembly talk).
Tips for teachers (Kenyan secondary schools)
- Use real local examples (class results, competition winners, social media stories) to make lessons relatable.
- Encourage peer support groups where students praise and help each other after tests or competitions.
- Invite a respected local imam or community leader to speak on humility and community service.
- Create a "Humility & Gratitude" corner in the classroom where students post notes of thanks and compliments.
Summary
Hasad (envy) and kibr (pride) are harmful traits forbidden in Islam because they damage faith, relationships and society. By understanding their causes, recognising their effects, and applying Islamic remedies (gratitude, humility, dua, service), students can develop good akhlaq and promote harmony in school, home and community.
Write one thing you will do this week to avoid envy and one thing to reduce pride. Keep it as a reminder and share with a trusted friend or teacher.