When one of you looks at one who stands at a higher level than you in regard to wealth and physical structure he should also see one who stands at a lower level than you in regard to these things (in which he stands) at a higher level (as compared to him).
Hadith Commentary: The Book of Zuhd and Softening of Hearts
This profound hadith from Sahih Muslim 2963 a provides essential guidance for cultivating contentment and protecting the heart from the diseases of envy and dissatisfaction.
Spiritual Wisdom of Comparative Gazing
The Messenger of Allah (peace be upon him) teaches us the proper method of looking at others' blessings. When the eye naturally falls upon those who possess more worldly provisions, one must consciously redirect their gaze to those who have less.
This practice serves as spiritual medicine against "ayn" (the evil eye) and protects the heart from the corrosive effects of comparing oneself to those apparently more fortunate in material possessions or physical attributes.
The Cure for Spiritual Diseases
Scholars explain that this teaching addresses the human tendency toward discontentment (qana'ah) and the danger of coveting what others possess (hasad). By looking downward in worldly matters, one activates gratitude (shukr) for Allah's blessings.
This methodology preserves the heart's purity, strengthens faith in divine decree (qadr), and fosters humility by recognizing that whatever blessings we possess are pure favors from Allah, not achievements of our own making.
Practical Implementation
The righteous predecessors would actively practice this by regularly visiting the sick, attending funerals, and spending time with the less fortunate to maintain proper perspective on worldly matters.
This hadith does not discourage ambition in religious matters - indeed, we should look upward to those more knowledgeable and pious to increase in faith. The restriction applies specifically to worldly comparisons that breed discontent.