The evil eye is affirmed in the Prophetic Sunnah, and it can have an effect on a person by Allah’s permission. However, Muslims should remember that no harm can occur outside Allah’s decree.
Envy is also a blameworthy trait because it involves wishing for another person’s blessing to disappear. It can harm the envious person spiritually by making them dissatisfied with Allah’s decree and emotionally by keeping them in worry and distress.
A person who fears the evil eye or envy should therefore seek protection through Quran, remembrance, supplication, and lawful ruqyah rather than becoming consumed by fear or speculation.
Does the Evil Eye Have an Effect?
Yes. The Prophet Muhammad, peace and blessings be upon him, said: “The evil eye is real.”
Another authentic narration indicates that the Prophet, peace and blessings be upon him, instructed people to seek ruqyah for the evil eye.
This does not mean that the evil eye operates independently of Allah. A Muslim believes that all benefit and harm occur only according to Allah’s will and decree.
How Can Muslims Protect Themselves from the Evil Eye and Envy?
Reciting the Quran and Remembering Allah
Regular Quran recitation, remembrance of Allah, and supplication are among the important means of spiritual protection.
Muslims should maintain the established morning and evening adhkar and the supplications associated with sleep and daily worship.
Lawful Ruqyah
Ruqyah is a legitimate means of seeking protection and treatment for the evil eye and envy. It should involve Quranic verses, established supplications, and permissible words while believing that protection and healing come from Allah alone.
Muslims should avoid fortune-tellers, sorcerers, and fraudulent practitioners who claim to treat the evil eye through unlawful methods.
Supplication
Supplication is one of the greatest acts of worship. A Muslim may ask Allah to protect them from harm, envy, the evil eye, illness, and hardship.
Among the comprehensive supplications is: “O Allah, I ask You for pardon and well-being in this world and the Hereafter.”
A person may also make general supplications with sound meanings, provided they do not contain anything prohibited or inappropriate.
What Should Someone Do If They Fear the Evil Eye?
If a person experiences an illness or clear physical symptoms, they should not automatically assume that the cause is the evil eye or envy.
A balanced approach is to combine lawful ruqyah with appropriate medical treatment. Seeking medical care for illness is permissible and encouraged.
It is also important not to accuse specific people of envy without evidence, because such accusations can lead to injustice, suspicion, and broken relationships.
What Should a Person Do If They Fear Envying Others?
A Muslim should strive to remove envy from the heart and be content with what Allah has granted.
When someone sees a blessing they admire in another person, they should pray for that person to be blessed. The Prophet, peace and blessings be upon him, instructed Muslims to ask Allah to bless what they admire in others.
This helps transform admiration into a sincere wish for good rather than a desire for someone else’s blessing to disappear.
Envy vs. Positive Competition
Not every wish to have something another person possesses is considered sinful envy.
Positive competition, or ghibtah, means wishing to receive a similar blessing without wishing for the original blessing to be removed from its owner.
A Muslim may therefore aspire to achieve similar success, knowledge, wealth, or good deeds while continuing to wish well for the other person.
Can the Evil Eye Override Allah’s Decree?
No. The evil eye remains within Allah’s decree, and nothing can harm a person except by what Allah has permitted and decreed.
For this reason, Muslims should not live in constant fear. They should rely on Allah, maintain their prescribed remembrance and supplications, use lawful ruqyah when appropriate, and seek proper medical care when needed.
Is the evil eye real in Islam?
Yes. The evil eye is affirmed in the Prophetic Sunnah, but it can only cause harm by Allah’s permission.
How can I protect myself from the evil eye and envy?
Through Quran recitation, remembrance of Allah, supplication, lawful ruqyah, and sincere reliance upon Allah.
Is ruqyah permissible for the evil eye?
Yes. Lawful ruqyah using Quran and permissible supplications is an established means of seeking protection and treatment.
Is every illness caused by the evil eye?
No. Illness should not automatically be attributed to the evil eye. Appropriate medical evaluation and treatment should be sought when necessary.
What is the difference between envy and ghibtah?
Envy involves wishing for another person’s blessing to disappear, while ghibtah means wishing for a similar blessing without wanting theirs to be taken away.
