Best Ways to Protect Yourself from Envy: 6 Causes and 2 Methods to Resist
Envy is a negative energy affecting the soul, and Islam offers effective protection through daily dhikr, ruqyah, reading specific surahs, and understanding the causes of envy.
Envy is a harmful negative energy, warned against in the Quran and Sunnah. Allah says: (Do they envy people for what Allah has given them of His bounty?) and in Surah Al-Falaq: (And from the evil of the envier when he envies).
Envy is defined as a disease of the heart, like hatred, pride, and arrogance, wishing the removal of others’ blessings. Scholars identify six main causes: pride, arrogance, hatred, love of leadership, showing off, and boasting.
Best ways to protect against envy:
Daily dhikr and spiritual protection:
Surah Al-Fatihah: the greatest surah of the Quran.
Surah Al-Baqarah: for blessings and protection.
Ayat al-Kursi: to prevent harm from approaching.
Al-Mu’awwidhat: Say, I seek refuge in the Lord of the daybreak and Say, I seek refuge in the Lord of mankind, and Say, He is Allah, One.
Ruqyah supplication: "In the name of Allah, I perform ruqyah for you from all that harms you and from every envious eye, may Allah heal you." This was the ruqyah the Prophet ﷺ used for Al-Hasan and Al-Husayn.
Correct mindset and reliance on Allah:
Believing that everything in Allah’s dominion occurs by His will, and that His giving and withholding are always good.
Teaching children to trust in Allah’s decree and to nurture sincere and positive intentions toward others.
Distinguishing between envy and goodwill:
Goodwill (ghibta): wishing to have what others have without wishing it away from them.
Envy: wishing that the blessings others enjoy would be removed.
By following these practices, a person can protect themselves from envy, remove negative energy, and live with inner peace, as the Prophet ﷺ emphasized loving for your brother what you love for yourself.
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