The origins of Wrongdoing

Ibnul Qayyim al-Jawziyyah رحمه الله stated:

The origins of wrongdoing are three:

1.     Arrogance: It is that which drove Iblees to that which it drove him (i.e. to commit that which Iblees committed).

2.     Desire: It is that which caused Aadam to be expelled from the Paradise.

3.     Jealousy: It is that which caused one of the sons of Aadam to transgress against his brother.

Therefore, whoever is protected from the evil of these three (traits) then indeed he has been protected from evil. For disbelief is from arrogance; disobedience from desires; and transgression and oppression from jealousy.

{Source: al-Fawaa-id, 1/58}