39. What Is Envy? What Are Its Causes and Ruling in Islam?
Envy (ḥasad) is a feeling of hatred toward someone because of a blessing that Allah has granted them but denied to the envier. One of its signs is that the envious person feels distress and pain when he sees others blessed by Allah, and joy and comfort when those blessings are taken away. The envier is pained by seeing people in prosperity and pleased when he sees them in hardship.
The causes of envy can be religious or worldly.
The first and most serious cause is weak faith. If the envier truly believed that Allah, the Almighty, is just, and that He alone distributes sustenance and blessings among people according to His wisdom, he would feel content with what Allah has decreed for him and would not envy others. Envy is therefore prohibited in Islam and is a clear sign of weak faith.
The Prophet ﷺ said:
“Faith and envy cannot coexist in the heart of a servant.”
— [A good hadith, reported by al-Nasā’ī]
He also said:
“Envy consumes good deeds just as fire consumes wood.”
— [A weak hadith, but its meaning is sound]
The worldly causes of envy include idleness, failure, and oppression. A person who has too much free time, or who is weak, defeated, or unable to achieve success, is more prone to envy others. On the other hand, a person who is busy with his own affairs, successful in his life and work, accomplished and strong, usually has no motivation to envy others.
40. What Are the Causes That Make a Muslim Vulnerable to the Evil Eye?
First of all, we must affirm that the evil eye (ʿayn) is part of Allah’s divine decree and destiny, and that caution cannot prevent what Allah has decreed. However, there are reasons a Muslim should be aware of, so that he may protect himself — by Allah’s permission.
The main cause of being affected by the evil eye is being distant from Allah, and neglecting the daily remembrance of Allah and recitation of the Qur’an.
Another cause is keeping company with corrupt or envious people, since envy usually comes from those who are close to you and know about your life.
Also, showing off blessings in an exaggerated or provocative manner can expose a person to the evil eye. Some people deliberately flaunt their wealth, beauty, or success in front of others who lack them, seeking to satisfy hidden insecurities or psychological needs — which makes them targets of envy.
41. What Are the Symptoms of the Evil Eye?
The symptoms of the evil eye differ according to its strength and effect. Some cases are light and temporary, while others are strong and long-lasting.
The most common signs include failure, delays, and losses. The evil eye can also affect one’s health and physical appearance.
It may cause repeated failure in personal or professional life, delays in goals, loss of wealth, or damage to possessions.
Physically, it may manifest as fatigue, headaches, hair loss, or a decline in beauty and vitality.
Psychologically, it can lead to sadness, depression, and anxiety.
42. What Are the Ways to Protect Oneself from the Evil Eye?
Protection from the evil eye can be summarized in the following points:
- Keep the company of righteous and good people, and avoid associating with the envious or those known for ill will.
- Keep blessings private and avoid displaying or talking about them unless necessary.
The Prophet ﷺ said: “Seek help in fulfilling your needs by being discreet, for every person who is blessed is envied.”
— [Ṣaḥīḥ al-Jāmiʿ] - Maintain daily supplications and protective adhkār (remembrances) in the morning and evening.
It is also recommended to perform ruqyah (Islamic healing supplications) regularly, as the Prophet ﷺ used to do. - Avoid causing the evil eye to others. When you see something you admire in another person, say “May Allah bless it for you” instead of exclaiming with admiration.
The Prophet ﷺ said: “Why would one of you kill his brother? If you see something that pleases you, bless it!”
— [Reported by Aḥmad with a sound chain]
45. How Is the Evil Eye Treated?
It is always better to prevent the evil eye than to treat it.
Prevention includes daily adhkār, simple ruqyah recitations, and strengthening one’s connection with Allah.
If one is already affected, the main treatment is Islamic ruqyah specifically for the evil eye, along with blowing (lightly spitting) into clean water after reciting verses of ruqyah, then washing or wiping the body with it.
It is also essential to stay away from envious or spiteful people, as repeated exposure may renew the harm. The affected person should remain steadfast in worship, avoid sins, and continuously pray for healing.
If a person realizes that he unintentionally gave someone the evil eye, he should perform ablution (wuḍū’) into a container, and the affected person should be washed with that water — as the Prophet ﷺ instructed when ʿĀmir ibn Rabīʿah caused harm to Sahl ibn Ḥunayf out of admiration. The Prophet ﷺ ordered ʿĀmir to make ablution, washing his face, arms up to the elbows, knees, and the inside of his garment, and then pour that water over Sahl — and he was cured.
Some natural remedies can also support recovery, such as olive oil, honey, black seed, and Zamzam water, washing oneself with Sidr powder, which are known to be beneficial for such conditions.
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