Islamic Ethics Disapproves of Epicaricacy
He scolds the person who has suffered a misfortune because he thinks it is the result of that person’s behavior.
There are two types of epicaricacy: internal and external. In the first type, we feel happy in our heart at the misfortune of others, but we do not express our joy. In the second, however, we show our joy and rebuke the person, telling him that it is the result of his behavior.
From the point of view of the person who is unlucky, there are also two kinds of epicaricacy. Sometimes it is for good behavior, and sometimes it is for improper behavior. That is to say, sometimes the behavior that caused a misfortune is not wrong from the point of view of the person who suffered it. It is only improper from the point of view of the scolder. For example, if a person shows generosity, a miser considers it improper, and if the generous person suffers misfortune because of his generosity, the miser rejoices and blames him.
This is the kind of epicaricacy that the hypocrites use against the believers who are facing calamities and misfortunes.
The second type is when the person who sees the misfortune also considers his behavior to be improper, for example, the person is scolded for failing to observe religious rules in his economic interactions and now faces a financial problem.
Rejoicing in the misfortunes of others is frowned upon by both intellect and the religion. Human’s intellect and Fitrat (nature), in accordance with his social nature, approve of tolerance and compassion for others, and rejoicing in the misfortunes of others is contrary to this.
The Holy Prophet (PBUH) and the Infallible Imams (AS) have warned against such behavior in many Hadiths. The Holy Prophet (PBUH) said do not blame your brother (and rejoice in his misfortune) because God may cause you the same misfortune.
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Also, Imam Sadiq (AS) said a person who blames his brother in faith for a calamity that has befallen him will not leave the world until he himself suffers the same calamity.
Rejoicing in the misfortune of others is improper in any form, whether it is outwardly expressed in behavior or hidden in the heart.
Epicaricacy originates in unrestrained anger. When anger leaves the supervision of the intellect, it causes evils such as enmity and envy, which bring about epicaricacy.
One who engages in epicaricacy may face misfortunes in this world and punishment in the hereafter.
In order to cure this moral disease, one should reflect on its results and always remember that he may suffer the same misfortune for which he scolds another person. He should also consider that whatever calamity befalls people of faith may either be an atonement for their sins or bring them closer to perfection in the hereafter. Realizing this will help him stop upbraiding others.
