Envy is one of the blameworthy characteristics prohibited in Islam. It refers to wishing that another person would lose a blessing they have received, whether it concerns wealth, health, success, or another form of blessing.
But can envy or the evil eye cause someone’s death? This question requires distinguishing between envy and the evil eye, and the claim that a particular person directly caused another person’s death through envy.
The evil eye is affirmed in Islamic teachings and can have an effect. However, any harm or death occurs only by the will and decree of Allah. Therefore, it is not correct to accuse a specific person of causing someone’s death simply because they may have been envious.
Can the Evil Eye Cause Death?
Islamic sources establish that the evil eye is real and can have an effect. The Prophet Muhammad, peace and blessings be upon him, instructed Muslims to seek protection from it and to use lawful ruqyah when someone is affected.
The well-known prophetic statement says: “The evil eye is real.”
Scholars have explained that its effects remain within Allah’s decree. Nothing happens independently of His will.
Therefore, the correct understanding is that the evil eye may become a cause of serious harm, potentially even death if Allah wills it, but the person who gives the evil eye does not possess an independent power to kill or destroy another person.
What Is the Difference Between Envy and the Evil Eye?
Envy and the evil eye are related but are not identical.
Envy means wishing that another person would lose a blessing. It is fundamentally a matter of the heart and intention.
The evil eye, however, refers to harm that may result from a person’s gaze, often associated with admiration or other circumstances, and it may occur even without deliberate intent to harm.
Scholars have emphasized that any harm attributed to the evil eye occurs only by Allah’s permission.
Is Every Death or Misfortune Caused by Envy?
One of the common mistakes surrounding this subject is attributing every illness, accident, problem, or death to envy or the evil eye without evidence.
A Muslim should not automatically conclude that someone caused a misfortune simply because that person admired something or may have been envious.
Such thinking can lead to fear, superstition, and unjust accusations.
Islam teaches believers to have faith in Allah’s divine decree, while also taking legitimate practical and religious means to protect themselves.
What Have Muslim Scholars Said About the Evil Eye?
Muslim scholars affirmed the reality of the evil eye while emphasizing that it does not operate independently of Allah’s will.
Imam al-Nawawi explained that everything occurs according to Allah’s decree and that harm caused by the evil eye, like all other forms of benefit and harm, occurs only according to what Allah has decreed.
Ibn Hajar also explained that Allah may create harm when an envious or admiring gaze occurs if He wills, while such harm may be prevented through seeking refuge in Allah or other lawful means. If it occurs, ruqyah may be used.
Thus, the evil eye should be understood as a possible cause, not an independent force.
Does Envy Harm the Envious Person More Than the Victim?
Envy can deeply harm the person who carries it.
Religiously, persistent envy can make a person resent Allah’s distribution of blessings among His servants.
In worldly terms, an envious person may remain trapped in sadness, frustration, and constant comparison with others, while the person being envied may continue to enjoy the blessing.
For this reason, overcoming envy requires purifying the heart, accepting Allah’s decree, asking for blessings for others, and abandoning the desire for their blessings to disappear.
How Can a Muslim Protect Himself From Envy and the Evil Eye?
A Muslim can seek protection through remembrance of Allah, supplications, and lawful ruqyah.
Among the established practices are reciting Surah Al-Fatihah and the two protective surahs, Al-Falaq and An-Nas, while maintaining regular morning and evening remembrance.
At the same time, Muslims should avoid living in constant fear of envy or interpreting every difficulty as evidence of the evil eye or magic.
Islamic protection combines trust in Allah with legitimate means, while maintaining certainty that Allah alone ultimately protects, benefits, and causes harm.
What Does the Quran Say About Envy?
The Quran explicitly refers to envy in the verse:
“And from the evil of an envier when he envies.”
This verse highlights the danger of envy when it develops into harmful behavior and hostility. Muslims are therefore instructed to seek refuge in Allah from its evil.
The Prophet Muhammad, peace and blessings be upon him, also prohibited envy because it can destroy relationships and create hatred and hostility between people.
Is It Permissible to Accuse Someone of Causing a Death Through Envy?
It is not permissible to accuse a specific person of causing someone’s death through envy or the evil eye based merely on suspicion.
Death occurs according to Allah’s decree, and a serious accusation cannot be established through assumptions about someone’s gaze or feelings.
Even when someone is genuinely affected by the evil eye, this does not mean that the person who caused it intentionally killed them or possesses an independent ability to cause death.
Conclusion
The evil eye is real and may have an effect, potentially causing serious harm if Allah wills. However, it is not correct to claim that a specific person killed a Muslim through envy or the evil eye without evidence.
A Muslim should believe in divine decree, maintain regular remembrance of Allah, use lawful ruqyah and protective supplications, and avoid superstition or unfounded accusations.
Envy itself is also a serious spiritual disease that harms the envious person, both religiously and worldly. The believer should therefore purify the heart, accept Allah’s blessings and decree, and pray for goodness and blessings for others.
Can envy cause death in Islam?
The evil eye is affirmed in Islamic teachings and may cause harm, but everything occurs according to Allah’s decree. A specific death should not be attributed to envy without evidence.
Is the evil eye real?
Yes. Islamic teachings affirm that the evil eye is real, and Muslims are encouraged to seek protection from it and use lawful ruqyah when necessary.
Can an envious person kill someone through envy?
An envious person has no independent power to kill another person. Any harm occurs only by Allah’s will and decree.
How can I protect myself from envy and the evil eye?
Protection includes regular remembrance of Allah, reciting Al-Fatihah, Al-Falaq and An-Nas, lawful ruqyah, and placing trust in Allah.
Is every misfortune caused by envy?
No. Illness, accidents, and death should not automatically be attributed to envy or the evil eye without evidence. Everything occurs according to Allah’s decree.
