How can I be happy for the success of others?

To genuinely rejoice in the success of others is a beautiful and noble human trait. However, human nature sometimes tends towards envy, unhealthy competition, or even regret. The pure teachings of Islam, especially the luminous verses of the Holy Quran, offer profound and comprehensive guidance to elevate the human spirit to a level where one can truly be happy for the accomplishments of others. These teachings not only contribute to the purity of the heart and peace of mind for the individual but also strengthen social bonds and lead to the building of a healthier community. The first and perhaps most fundamental principle that the Quran provides to combat the roots of not being happy for others' success is a correct understanding of the concept of 'Hasad' (envy) and abstaining from it. Envy means wishing for the removal of a blessing from another and desiring it for oneself. This undesirable trait is not only considered a major sin, but it also contaminates a person's soul and mind, robbing them of peace. The Holy Quran directly emphasizes refraining from wishing for what Allah has favored some over others. In Surah An-Nisa, verse 32, we read: "And do not wish for that by which Allah has made some of you exceed others. For men is a share of what they have earned, and for women is a share of what they have earned. And ask Allah of His bounty. Indeed, Allah is ever, of all things, Knowing." This verse clearly states that we should not wish for what Allah has given superiority to some over others. Instead, we should ask Allah for His bounty and grace. This perspective eradicates the root of envy, which is comparison and coveting. When a person understands Allah's wisdom in distributing provisions and blessings, instead of envying, they engage in gratitude and are pleased with every good that reaches any of His servants. Envy is a flame that first burns the individual's own being and then harms their social relationships. Therefore, the first step towards being happy for others' success is to extinguish this flame within oneself. The second important principle is 'Islamic brotherhood' and 'empathy.' The Holy Quran identifies believers as brothers to one another: "Indeed, the believers are brothers" (Surah Al-Hujurat, verse 10). This foundational verse presents a picture of an Islamic society where individuals are like members of a single body. As mentioned in narrations, when one part of the body aches, the other parts also become restless; similarly, the joy and success of a believer should be regarded as the joy and success of the entire Islamic community. When a person reaches this deep conviction that the success of their spiritual brother or sister not only does not harm them but somehow contributes to the overall growth and advancement of the society of which they are a part, their heart fills with joy and contentment. This perspective transforms negative competition into competition in good deeds, which is itself desirable in the Quran. The third strategy is a profound understanding of 'Divine Decree and the Distribution of Provision.' Allah Almighty explicitly states in the Quran that the distribution of sustenance and the ranking of people in this worldly life are by His hand, and this occurs based on Divine Wisdom. In Surah Az-Zukhruf, verse 32, it is stated: "Is it they who distribute the mercy of your Lord? We have apportioned among them their livelihood in the life of this world and have raised some of them above others in degrees [of rank] that they may employ one another in service. But the mercy of your Lord is better than whatever they accumulate." This verse clearly indicates that the distribution of provisions and differences in people's ranks are Allah's work. When a person understands that everyone has a specific share of sustenance and success, and this originates from Allah's perfect wisdom, there is no longer any room for regret or envy. This understanding implants contentment in the human heart and helps one to be grateful for what they have and for Allah's bounty, instead of focusing on what others possess. Joy for others' success within this framework is a sign of submission to Allah's will and faith in His justice and wisdom. The fourth strategy is 'Gratitude and Focus on Personal Growth.' The Quran teaches us to always be grateful for Allah's blessings: "If you are grateful, I will surely increase you [in favor]" (Surah Ibrahim, verse 7). When a person diverts their gaze from the possessions of others and focuses on their own countless blessings and Allah's boundless grace, their heart is purified from regret and envy, and they become joyful for the blessings bestowed upon them and others. Focusing on personal growth and self-improvement, instead of comparing oneself with others, directs one's energy towards constructive endeavors and progress. Instead of wishing for the removal of blessings from another, an individual strives to achieve the best possible position for themselves through hard work, effort, and reliance on Allah, asking Allah for bounty for themselves and for others. The fifth aspect is 'Good Opinion of Allah' and the belief in the 'goodness of all occurrences.' When a person reaches the heartfelt conviction that every event in the world, including the successes of others, contains a hidden good and is part of Divine Will, they not only avoid envy but view it with a positive outlook. This perspective enables a person to be happy for the success of others as a sign of Allah's mercy and grace, even if, seemingly, that success does not pertain to them. This type of joy is a symbol of a sound heart and a vast soul that can only be attained through piety and divine knowledge. Ultimately, to reach this level of heartfelt joy for the success of others, one must sincerely strive on the path of self-purification. This path includes strengthening faith in divine decree (Qada and Qadar), combating moral vices such as envy and stinginess, fostering brotherhood and love in society, and ultimately, focusing on servitude (Ubudiyyah) and constant gratitude to Allah Almighty. When a person's heart is filled with love for Allah and His servants, there will be no room left for the darkness of envy and regret, and the joy of others will be our joy too. This Quranic approach not only brings peace to the individual but also builds a society full of hope and empathy.