Envy is jealousy/hatred when someone is not happy with you being blessed with something. The Arabic word for envy is hasad.
From an Islamic perspective, this is the attribute of Iblees (may the curse of Allah be upon him) who was asked to prostrate before the first human creature Adam (peace be upon him) and he denied the command of prostration from Allah as he claimed to be superior than Adam (peace be upon him). All the angels prostrated except Iblees.
He declared war against Allah and even promised to lead the muslims astray. Iblees even made Adam fall into sin by tempting him to going against the command of Allah. The proofs are mentioned in the Qur’an:
“And O Adam! Dwell you and your wife in Paradise, and eat thereof as you both wish, but approach not this tree otherwise you both will be of the Zâlimûn (unjust and wrong-doers).”
Then Shaitân (Satan) whispered suggestions to them both in order to uncover that which was hidden from them of their private parts (before); he said: “Your Lord did not forbid you this tree save that you should become angels or become of the immortals.”
And he [Shaitân (Satan)] swore by Allâh to them both (saying): “Verily, I am one of the sincere well-wishers for you both.”
So he misled them with deception. Then when they tasted of the tree, that which was hidden from them of their shame (private parts) became manifest to them and they began to cover themselves with the leaves of Paradise (in order to cover their shame). And their Lord called out to them (saying): “Did I not forbid you that tree and tell you: Verily, Shaitân (Satan) is an open enemy unto you?”
They said: “Our Lord! We have wronged ourselves. If You forgive us not, and bestow not upon us Your Mercy, we shall certainly be of the losers.”
(Allâh) said: “Get down, one of you is an enemy to the other [i.e. Adam, Hawwâ’ (Eve), and Shaitân (Satan)]. On earth will be a dwelling-place for you and an enjoyment for a time.” 7:19-24
“And from the evil of the envier when he envies.” 113:5
The one who envies others will have his good actions destroyed based on the hadith:
Abu Huraira reported: The Prophet, peace and blessings be upon him, said, “Beware of envy, for it devours good deeds just as fire devours wood or grass.”
Source: Sunan Abī Dāwūd 4903
Grade: Sahih (authentic) according to Al-Suyuti
Effects of Hasad
When an envier envies, s/he can resort to magic because that person does not like the blessings of Allah upon someone.
The effects of hasad can be as follows:
- Health Issues
- Poor provisions
- Not able to find a job
- Personal Things keep on breaking such as mobile phone/car/appliances
- Poor concentration
- Poor memory and not as sharp as before
Why is envy so common?
Technology has progressed a lot but few are striving to use them in learning their religion. Sadly many brothers and sisters upload their personal stuff on Social Media such as LinkedIn, Facebook, Instagram, TikTok etc..
Not everyone is blessed unlike others. Some of those who are not blessed or even those who are blessed can be jealous of others. Hence, the target is hit and the person suffers from a form of evil eye.
Some would ask about you but their intention might not be right and only about hearing your progress, you could be affected by the evil eye. I have had such cases and they are becoming very often.
The solution
Observing the 5 daily prayers
As muslims, we are commanded to pray 5 times a day on time (Use a mobile app such as Muslim Pro to know the prayer timings). No prayers should be missed.
Adkaar (Morning and Evening Remembrance)
These are very powerful and should be read on a daily basis. Download the treatment program and read the adkaar on a daily basis
Dressing oneself properly
If you are a sister and your awrah is exposed, you are sinning and inviting others to sin
Charity
Sadaqa allows our sins to get expiated
Avoid Sinning as much as we can
We are vulnerable when we sin. Avoid especially the major sins
Repenting
“A trial is not sent down but due to a sin, and it is not lifted but with repentance.” – Ali Ibn Talib (May Allah be pleased with him)