Morality & Ethics (Akhlaq)

Avoiding Envy

Avoiding Envy: An Islamic Perspective

Introduction

Have you ever felt that sharp sting of jealousy when someone else achieves something you deeply desire? That uneasy feeling—known in Islam as envy (Hasad)—isn't just a harmless emotion; it's a destructive spiritual disease. Left unchecked, envy can damage relationships, rob us of inner peace, and even weaken our connection with God.

But there’s good news: Islam provides a profound, practical, and beautiful solution to overcome envy. By following the guidance of the Quran, the teachings of Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him), and the wisdom of great Islamic scholars, we can cleanse our hearts and replace envy with contentment and genuine happiness.

In this article, we’ll explore what envy truly is, why it poses such a serious threat, and, most importantly, how Islam guides us toward freedom from jealousy—allowing us to live lives filled with peace, gratitude, and spiritual fulfillment.

What is Envy (Hasad)?

Envy (hasad) is often defined as wishing that someone else’s blessings or advantages be taken away from them. In other words, an envious person doesn’t just want what another has—they also don’t want the other person to have it. This malicious kind of envy is considered haram (forbidden) in Islam . It’s different from simply admiring someone’s good fortune or wishing to have something like it for yourself without any ill will. That positive kind of feeling is known as ghibtah, which the scholars say is permissible (or even praiseworthy) because it doesn’t involve resentment .

The Prophet Muhammad (pbuh) explained this difference. He said true envy (hasad) is only justified in two cases: when you see someone whom Allah has given wealth and they use it for good, or someone whom Allah has given knowledge (such as Quranic wisdom) and they use and teach it – in those cases, desiring to have similar blessings for yourself is allowed (Sahih al-Bukhari 1409) . This permissible envy (often called ghibtah) means you aspire to the same goodness without wishing any loss upon the other person. All other kinds of envy – where you secretly hope someone’s blessing gets ruined or feel bitter about their success – are considered sinful and harmful.

Islam recognizes envy as a natural human emotion but guides us to never let it grow or act on it. As one Islamic scholar, Imam Ibn Taymiyyah, put it: “Jealousy is the hatred of Allah’s blessing on another” . In essence, when a person envies, they are unhappy that God chose to give a gift or success to someone else. This makes envy not just a social ill, but a sign of a deeper problem in one’s faith and contentment with Allah’s decisions.

The Dangers of Envy

Islam teaches that envy is not a harmless feeling – it’s a destructive trait with serious consequences. The Prophet Muhammad (pbuh) warned us strongly about it. He said:

“There has come to you the disease of the nations before you: envy and hatred. This is the ‘shaver’ – I do not say it shaves hair, but it shaves (destroys) faith.”

In this saying, the Prophet compared envy to a razor that shaves off one’s faith, meaning envy can eat away at our religion and piety. Indeed, another hadith gives a vivid image of how envy devours our good works:

“Beware of envy, for verily it destroys good deeds the way fire destroys wood.”

Imagine a fire burning up a pile of firewood – that’s what envy does to our rewards and virtues. A person who lives with envy might nullify the value of their prayers, charity, and other good deeds because the envy in their heart keeps spoiling their intentions and behavior.

Envy is called “the disease of previous nations” because it has caused great evil throughout history. The very first sin in the heavens was born from envy: when Allah created Prophet Adam, the angel Iblis (Satan) refused to honor Adam out of arrogance and jealousy. Iblis envied the high status Allah gave to Adam, and that envy led to his rebellion against Allah. The Qur’an describes Iblis’s envious words:

“[Iblis] said, ‘Do You see this one whom You have honored above me? If You delay me until the Day of Resurrection, I will surely destroy his descendants, except for a few.’” (Qur’an 17:62)

Because of his envy, Iblis became the avowed enemy of humanity. Envy was also behind the first murder on Earth – the tragedy of the two sons of Adam. One brother (Qabil or Cain) killed the other (Habil or Abel) out of envy, because Allah accepted Abel’s offering over Cain’s. This horrible act showed how envy can drive someone to extreme injustice. Likewise, the Qur’an tells the story of Prophet Yusuf (Joseph), whose brothers plotted against him due to envy. They were jealous that their father loved Yusuf more, so they threw young Yusuf into a well and caused years of pain for their family. In the end, they regretted their envy, but only after it nearly ruined their lives.

These examples underscore a key point: envy hurts the envier first and foremost. A jealous person lives with anger, sadness, and resentment. The Prophet (pbuh) said that envy “consumes” a person’s faith; it also consumes their happiness. Often, the one we envy might not even know about it, but the envious person is burning on the inside. As one Arabic proverb says, “Envy eats the heart of the envier before it affects the envied.” Modern psychology agrees that constant jealousy leads to stress and dissatisfaction. So Islam wants to save us from this self-destructive emotion.

Envy doesn’t only damage the individual; it can tear apart families and communities. It leads to hatred, grudges, and unfair competition. When someone is envious, they might start to engage in other sins like backbiting and slander. They may talk bad about the person they envy or try to bring them down unjustly – highlighting that envy directly contradicts the brotherhood and unity that Islam requires among believers.

Spiritually, envy is extremely dangerous. It can even lead a person to reject truth. The Qur’an notes that some of the People of the Book (earlier communities who received scripture) recognized Prophet Muhammad (pbuh) as the true messenger, but refused to follow him out of envy – they wanted the prophethood to come from their own people, not the Arabs. Allah says in the Qur’an:

“Many of the People of the Scripture wish they could turn you back to disbelief after you have believed, out of envy from themselves, [even] after the truth has become clear to them.” (Qur’an 2:109)

Here we see envy literally blinding people from accepting guidance. They saw the truth, but their jealousy made them oppose it. This shows how envy can destroy someone’s akhirah (hereafter) as well as their dunya (worldly life) . No wonder the Prophet (pbuh) said “Faith and envy cannot coexist in the heart of a believer.” A faithful heart, filled with trust in Allah, has no room for the dark fire of jealousy.

Envy in the Qur’an

The Qur’an, which Muslims believe is the word of Allah, directly addresses the issue of envy and gives us guidance on it. Here are some key Quranic verses about envy, with their English translations:

“And do not crave what Allah has given some of you over others. Men will be rewarded according to their deeds and women equally according to theirs. Rather, ask Allah for His bounty. Surely Allah has perfect knowledge of all things.” – (Qur’an 4:32)

In this verse, Allah plainly instructs us not to wish for the advantages which He has given to others. We each have our own role and rewards based on our actions. Envying someone else’s talent, wealth, or status is futile and wrong; instead, we should pray to Allah to bless us out of His bounty. In other words, focus on asking God for your needs rather than resenting others. This verse promotes contentment and gratitude over envy.

“Or do they envy people for what Allah has given them of His bounty? But We have already given the family of Abraham the Scripture and wisdom and bestowed upon them a great kingdom.” – (Qur’an 4:54)

This verse criticizes those who begrudge others the gifts that Allah bestowed on them. Historically, it referred to certain groups who envied the Prophet Muhammad (from the lineage of Abraham) for receiving revelation. The message is that envy is unjustified—Allah is the one who decides who gets what, just as He previously chose prophets and gave some people more blessings than others. Envying them is like questioning Allah’s wisdom.

“And Allah has favored some of you over others in provision. But those who were favored would not hand over their provision to their servants such that they become equal, so why do they reject the favor of Allah?” – (Qur’an 16:71)

This verse reminds us that worldly differences (in wealth, abilities, etc.) are part of Allah’s plan. He gives more to some and less to others to test us. It challenges the envious person’s logic: if you wouldn’t arbitrarily equalize your own wealth with others, why begrudge how Allah, in His wisdom, distributes sustenance among people? Envying someone’s livelihood is essentially rejecting Allah’s favor and justice.

“Say: ‘I seek refuge in the Lord of daybreak, from the evil of that which He created, ... and from the evil of an envier when he envies.’” – (Qur’an 113:1-5)

These lines are from Surah al-Falaq, one of the short concluding chapters of the Qur’an. Here, Allah actually teaches us a prayer to seek His protection from various evils – and He specifically mentions the evil of the envier. This shows that envy is so harmful that we should actively ask Allah to protect us from those who harbor jealousy, and likewise protect us from falling into envy ourselves. Muslims often recite this chapter as a means of spiritual protection. In fact, it was revealed to the Prophet Muhammad (pbuh) as a cure when an envious magician cast a spell on him . The Prophet was miraculously healed by reciting the verses seeking refuge from envy and other evils. This incident highlights both the reality of envy’s harm and the power of Allah’s words to counteract it – essentially a miracle illustrating Islam’s approach to combat envy (more on this in the Miracles section).

Aside from these, the Qur’an also indirectly teaches about envy through stories. For example, in Surah Yusuf, we learn how the prophet Joseph’s brothers fell into envy and how it led them astray, and in Surah Al-Ma’idah (Chapter 5) the tale of Adam’s sons shows envy leading to violence. By reflecting on these stories, Muslims are meant to see the ugly outcomes of envy and avoid following that path.

Envy in the Hadith (Prophetic Teachings)

The sayings of Prophet Muhammad (hadith) further illuminate the Islamic stance on envy. The Prophet (pbuh) was very emphatic in teaching his followers to purify their hearts of envy and related vices. Let’s look at some important hadiths on envy (all of these are from authentic sources):

“Do not envy one another; do not inflate prices to outbid each other; do not hate one another; do not turn away from one another, and be, O servants of Allah, brothers.” – (Hadith recorded in Sahih Muslim)

This advice comes from a well-known hadith about building brotherhood. The first prohibition the Prophet mentions is “do not envy one another,” showing how critical it is in Islam to avoid jealousy. Instead of competing out of envy or harboring grudges, Muslims are encouraged to treat each other like family. A community cannot thrive if people envy and resent each other.

“Faith and envy cannot coexist in the heart of a believer.” – (Hadith narrated in al-Nasa’i)

Here the Prophet (pbuh) makes a profound statement: true faith (iman) and envy cannot live together in one heart. If envy takes root, it will diminish one’s faith, because a faithful person trusts Allah’s decisions. Conversely, strong faith—accompanied by love for others—will push out destructive envy. This hadith urges us to choose faith and contentment, as they are incompatible with jealousy.

“Beware of envy, because envy eats up virtues just as fire eats up wood (or grass).” – (Hadith reported by Abu Dawud)

This narration conveys a similar message to the one mentioned earlier from another source. It’s a vivid warning: envy can wipe out your good deeds. An envious person might pray and do good works, but ruin it by also committing sins like slander or simply by the internal rot of jealousy that nullifies sincerity. The Prophet (pbuh) is cautioning us for our own good – don’t allow this fire to burn up your rewards.

“There has come to you the disease of those before you: envy and hatred… it is the shaver (destroyer) of faith.” – (Hadith in Jami’ al-Tirmidhi)

This hadith (also quoted earlier) emphasizes that envy is an age-old spiritual disease. It destroyed peoples in the past (by leading them into sin and disbelief), and it will destroy us too if we let it. Calling envy a “disease” and a “destroyer” really underlines that it’s lethal for our spiritual well-being. Just as we would treat a serious illness aggressively, we should strive to cure our hearts of envy.

“None of you truly believes until he loves for his brother what he loves for himself.” – (Hadith in Sahih Bukhari & Muslim)

While this hadith doesn’t explicitly use the word “envy,” it addresses its cure: selfless love. The Prophet (pbuh) taught that part of having complete faith is to want goodness for others just as you would want it for yourself, with no envy or jealousy. If we attain this quality, envy can’t find a place in our hearts. Instead of feeling jealous when something good happens to someone, a believer should feel happy for them. This empathy and goodwill are exactly opposite of envy, and this famous saying encourages us to develop that attitude as a hallmark of our faith.

There are also hadiths that describe practical aspects of dealing with envy. For example, the Prophet (pbuh) said “Do not look to those above you (in wealth) but look to those below you, as it will make you more likely to appreciate Allah’s favors on you.” (Muslim). This means one way to avoid envy is to avoid constantly comparing yourself to people who seem better off; instead, compare downward to cultivate gratitude. Another teaching: “If you see something (in someone) that amazes you, pray for blessings for them (say: Masha’Allah).” By doing so, you both guard yourself from envy and protect them from the evil eye. The evil eye (al-‘ayn) is a concept related to envy; it’s the harm that can happen when someone looks at your blessings with envy. The Prophet affirmed “The evil eye is real” (Muslim) and told us to seek Allah’s refuge from it. He also advised those who might unintentionally cast envy to invoke Allah’s blessings (e.g., say “Masha’Allah, la quwwata illa billah” meaning "As God willed, there is no power except by Allah") so that their admiration doesn’t turn into harm. These teachings show a comprehensive approach: preventing envy within ourselves and its effects from others.

Insights from Islamic Scholars

Islamic scholars, both classical and contemporary, have analyzed the issue of envy in depth, since it’s one of the diseases of the heart that Muslims are encouraged to cure. Across the major schools of thought (Hanafi, Maliki, Shafi’i, Hanbali), there is unanimous agreement that malicious envy (hasad) is forbidden and sinful. It’s considered a major spiritual ailment that one must repent from and strive to eliminate. While Islamic law (Shari’ah) doesn’t prescribe a worldly punishment for simply feeling envy (as it’s an internal state), it is certainly something that a believer will be accountable for before Allah, especially if it leads to harmful actions. All four schools emphasize purification of the heart (tazkiyat al-nafs) as part of the religion, and envy is identified as a key impurity to be cleansed.

Great scholars like Imam al-Ghazali (11th century) discussed envy at length in their works. In “Ihya’ Ulum al-Din” (The Revival of Religious Sciences), Imam al-Ghazali listed envy as one of the destructive vices. He defined it as feeling pain at the goodness another person has, and wishing for them to lose it. Al-Ghazali explains that envy is inherently illogical and self-defeating – it doesn’t bring you any gain, and it harms your deen. Importantly, he notes that envy is essentially objection to Allah’s will. After all, who gave that other person their blessing? It was Allah. So being upset about it is like questioning Allah’s decision to bless them . A scholar from a later era, Ibn Qayyim al-Jawziyya, said the same: the envious person is actually angry at Allah’s decree . This is a very dangerous attitude for one’s faith.

Imam al-Ghazali also analyzed the causes of envy. Why do people become envious? Some reasons he identified are: pride (one can’t stand someone else being above them), greed or competition (feeling that another’s gain is one’s loss), fear (that someone’s success will undermine you), and deep-down, love of the world (being too attached to material ranks and rewards). Understanding the cause can help in finding the cure. For instance, if pride is causing envy, the cure is to humble oneself and remember Allah is in control; if it’s due to feeling of competition for limited resources, the cure is to trust Allah’s generosity (knowing that “what is with Allah is better and more lasting”).

Contemporary scholars continue to advise on this topic. They often mention that envy is a loss in both worlds – it destroys your peace here and your rewards in the hereafter. Shaykh Ibn `Uthaymeen, a respected 20th-century scholar, said that a person must repent from envy like any major sin, and he listed many harms of envy. He quoted earlier authorities saying: “Jealousy is the worst of manners” and “Envy is the first sin of the heavens and the earth”. Ibn Taymiyyah (a 14th-century scholar) gave a practical sign: “Everyone experiences bouts of jealousy; but the dignified person conceals it, while the vulgar one acts upon it.” In other words, almost nobody is totally free of envy trying to creep into their heart , but a righteous person will resist those feelings and never act out because of them. That gives hope: feeling an initial twinge of envy isn’t itself a sin if you immediately reject it. The task is to control it, not let it grow.

Scholars also distinguish envy from related concepts. One is gheerah, sometimes translated as “protective jealousy,” which refers to a praiseworthy zeal to protect one’s honor or loved ones (for example, a husband’s protective jealousy for his wife’s dignity, or a Muslim’s protective feeling for their faith). Gheerah is considered good and different from hasad because it’s not about coveting someone’s blessings; it’s about safeguarding something valuable from violation. Another concept is competitiveness in good deeds which the Qur’an encourages (“vie with one another in good works”). This is not envy because you’re not wishing others to lose; you’re simply motivated to excel. Islam actually encourages healthy competition in charity and piety, as long as it’s free of malice.

In terms of spiritual consequences, scholars often mention that envy, if not checked, can lead to kufr (disbelief) or major injustice. They point to Iblis and the story of the Jewish tribes who rejected Islam out of envy. It’s even mentioned in hadith that envy “shaved off” the religion of past nations, implying many communities fell into decline because of internal jealousy and strife. Thus, scholars warn that envy can undermine the unity of the Muslim community (ummah). If Muslims envy each other, it’s like a poison in the social fabric. That’s why classical texts on Islamic ethics (akhlaq) and modern sermons alike stress the importance of rooting out envy to achieve true brotherhood and sisterhood.

Why Islam’s Perspective on Envy is Unique

Envy is recognized as a negative emotion in many cultures and religions – for example, in Christianity “Thou shalt not covet” is a commandment, and Buddhism also warns against jealousy. However, Islam’s approach to envy is especially comprehensive and deep. It combines theological, moral, and practical guidance that offers a superior solution to this human problem. Here are a few reasons why the Islamic perspective on envy stands out:

In summary, Islam’s perspective is holistic: it diagnoses envy as a spiritual disease, prescribes preventive medicine (contentment, gratitude, love for others), emergency medicine (seeking refuge in God, prayer), and even post-illness care (repentance and restoration of rights if envy led one to harm someone). It transforms a person by addressing the heart and mind together. When these teachings are followed, the result is a person who is generous in spirit, at peace with what Allah has given them, and compassionate towards others. This character is far superior to the bitter, anxious state that envy creates. Islam essentially offers a cure, not just a command.

A Miracle Related to Envy

Islamic history and scripture also provide miraculous signs underscoring the danger of envy and Allah’s protection from it. One notable incident is the revelation of the last two surahs of the Qur’an (Al-Falaq and An-Nas). As mentioned earlier, there was an attempt by an envious individual to harm the Prophet Muhammad (pbuh) through magic. According to authentic reports, a man named Labid (who was jealous and hostile) cast a spell on the Prophet. This resulted in the Prophet feeling ill for a period. In response, Allah sent down Surah Al-Falaq and Surah An-Nas (collectively known as Al-Mu’awwidhatayn, the verses of refuge). The Prophet recited these verses, which specifically include seeking protection from “the envier when he envies,” and by Allah’s power, the magic was neutralized and the Prophet was cured . This event is considered a miracle, showing that no matter how strong the effects of envy or black magic, Allah’s words are stronger. It taught the Muslims that whenever we feel threatened by envy (or any evil), we should turn to Allah for protection. The miraculous nature of this incident also affirmed the truth of the Prophet’s message (since he could not have just invented verses to heal himself—this was divine intervention).

Another miracle tied to the concept of envy is the story we touched on about the man promised Paradise. While not a “miracle” in the supernatural sense, it was astonishing to the companions. Over three days, the Prophet (pbuh) told them, “A man from the people of Paradise will walk in now,” and the same man came each time. Curious, Abdullah ibn Amr followed the man to learn what he did that was so special. It turned out the man wasn’t extra in fasting or praying; his special quality was a pure heart free from envy or malice towards any Muslim . In a way, this was a moral miracle – highlighting a hidden deed (or rather, a state of the heart) that earned Allah’s pleasure to such an extent. It impressed upon the companions, and on us, how highly valued it is to purge envy from one’s heart. This story inspires believers that removing envy can lead to a miraculous reward (being promised Paradise!).

Also, consider that Islam’s holy book, the Qur’an, itself is regarded as a miracle. Within it, by guiding us to avoid envy, it miraculously reforms lives. Countless people have experienced that following Quranic guidance on envy brought peace and improved their character in ways they couldn’t achieve before. In a sense, the transformation of a person who was once jealous and discontent into someone who is generous-hearted and grateful is a sort of everyday miracle wrought by Islamic teachings. Many converts to Islam remark on how concepts like trust in God’s decree and the practice of saying “Alhamdulillah” (praising God for everything) helped them overcome jealousy and anxiety that they struggled with previously. Such personal miracles highlight the practical truth in Islam’s perspective.

Practical Advice for Avoiding Envy

Avoiding envy is not always easy, but Islam provides practical steps to help us do so. Here are some effective strategies a Muslim (or anyone) can implement to keep envy at bay and cultivate a more content heart:

  1. Increase Gratitude (Shukr): Make it a habit to count your own blessings regularly. Each day, think of a few things you are grateful for that Allah has given you – big or small. Thank Allah for them in your prayers. The Qur’an says that if you are grateful, Allah will give you more (14:7). Gratitude shifts your focus from what you don’t have to what you do have. It’s practically impossible to feel envious and thankful at the same time! Try keeping a gratitude journal or include more praises of Allah (like saying Alhamdulillah, “Praise be to God”) throughout your day.

  2. Strengthen Trust in Allah’s Plan (Tawakkul and Ridha): Remind yourself that Allah is the Provider for everyone. What is meant for you will reach you; what isn’t, was never meant for you. Envy often comes when we forget this and think of life as unfair. Read about Allah’s Names (such as Ar-Razzaq, the Sustainer) and remember that He knows what is best for each of us. When you feel envy, consciously say: “Allah decided this, and I accept His wisdom.” This helps develop ridha (contentment with Allah’s decree). Often, we don’t know why someone has a certain blessing – it could even be a test for them. Trusting Allah’s wisdom will bring you peace.

  3. Pray for the Person You Envy: This might sound difficult, but it’s a powerful antidote. If you feel envy towards someone, immediately make a sincere du’a (prayer) for them: “O Allah, bless them in what You have given them and grant me from Your bounty as well.” By doing this, you turn the negative feeling into a positive one. Prophet Muhammad (pbuh) taught that making du’a for someone in their absence grants you a similar reward. Also, when you pray for someone, it’s hard to keep resenting them. Your heart softens and envy fades. Try it – next time you scroll social media and feel envy seeing someone’s happiness or success, pause and pray for their continued happiness and success.

  4. Say “Masha’Allah” and Avoid Boasting: As part of Islamic etiquette, when you see something admirable or praiseworthy (in your life or someone else’s), say "Masha’Allah" (meaning “As God has willed”). This phrase attributes the blessing to Allah, which helps remove any inadvertent envy. If you are the one with the blessing, saying Masha’Allah is a humble acknowledgement that it’s from God, not just your own doing. Also, be mindful not to show off your blessings in a way that might incite envy in others. Islam encourages modesty. For example, if you achieve a big success, share the news with those who will genuinely be happy for you, but there’s no need to flaunt it everywhere. The evil eye can come even unintentionally, so protect yourself and others by keeping a humble profile. Similarly, on the receiving end, when you see others’ blessings, assume good and be happy for them. Think, “Allah blessed them, Masha’Allah.” This mindset leaves little room for envy.

  5. Reflect on the Harm of Envy: Regularly remind yourself why envy is so harmful. Recall the hadith that it burns your good deeds like fire burns wood. Remind yourself of how Iblis was cursed because of envy. No one wants to follow that path. Sometimes a quick reality-check can snuff out an envious thought. You might tell yourself, “Is that new car/house/award of my friend worth destroying my peace and reward? Of course not!” Understanding that envy does nothing except hurt you makes it easier to let it go. As one scholar said, “Envy is a punishment you give yourself.” It’s just not worth it.

  6. Develop Empathy and Love for Others: Work on genuinely caring about others. The more you love people, the less you’ll envy them. Start with your close circle—family and friends. Celebrate their achievements and share in their joys. Islam teaches us to think of fellow Muslims as brothers and sisters; their gain is your gain, their loss your loss. When you hear good news about someone, force yourself to say words of praise or congratulations (“Alhamdulillah, I’m so happy for you!”). Actions influence feelings; by acting pleased, over time you will actually feel pleased. Also try to remember the struggles of others. Often we envy someone’s highlight reel but forget they might have hardships we don’t see. Recognize that everyone has tests in life, and if you wouldn’t trade your whole life with theirs, why envy that one aspect?

  7. Keep a Clean Heart Through Dhikr (Remembrance of Allah): Engage in regular dhikr and spiritual practices that soften the heart. Reading Qur’an, making istighfar (seeking forgiveness), sending salawat (blessings) on the Prophet, and other forms of remembrance all bring you closer to Allah and fill your heart with light. A heart filled with the light of iman (faith) has little space for the darkness of envy. Also, specifically ask Allah in your sujood (prostration) or prayers: “O Allah, cleanse my heart from envy and hatred.” Du’a is very powerful. The Prophet (pbuh) used to teach a du’a: “O Allah, remove from our hearts any ill-feeling towards believers”. If you ask sincerely, Allah will help you remove those jealous feelings over time.

  8. Find Inspiration in Role Models: Read about the character of the Prophet Muhammad (pbuh) and his companions in terms of dealing with envy. Their lives offer inspiring examples. For instance, the Muhajirun and Ansar (the two groups of early Muslims in Medina) shared resources and loved each other truly for the sake of Allah; the Ansar welcomed the emigrants and even gave them half of their wealth without envy. Such stories can motivate us to rise above petty jealousy. When you admire righteous people, you’ll want to emulate their generosity of spirit, not be jealous of others. Also, remember that our ultimate role model, the Prophet, was free of envy – he even prayed for the very people who opposed him. Strive to walk his path just a little, and you’ll find envy out of place in your heart.

  9. Practice Charity and Kindness: Envy often comes from a place of selfishness or feeling competitive over limited resources. One way to break that mindset is by giving charity and doing acts of kindness. When you give to others for the sake of Allah, it cultivates love and humility. It also reminds you that worldly things are not the goal – pleasing Allah is. If you find yourself envying someone’s money or success, go donate something or help someone in need. It will make your heart feel more content and grateful. Serving those less fortunate especially puts things in perspective; you realize how much you have to be thankful for, and the urge to envy those with “more” diminishes.

  10. Remember the Hereafter: Lastly, keep your eyes on the true prize – the rewards of the Hereafter. The life of this world is temporary, and people’s fortunes here are not a sign of who is truly successful. On the Day of Judgment, Allah will not judge us by how our wealth or status compared to others, but by our deeds and hearts. Sometimes a person who had very little here will be far ahead in Paradise, and someone who seemed to have it all here might have nothing in the Hereafter if they were ungrateful. So whenever envy tempts you, remind yourself: “What Allah has in store for me is better and everlasting if I am patient and righteous.” This mindset shift – from a worldly view to an eternal view – makes it easier to let others enjoy their temporary blessings while you work for eternal ones. In Paradise, insha’Allah (God willing), no one will have any envy at all, as the Qur’an tells us that Allah will remove whatever ill-feelings are in people’s hearts. Paradise is the realm of pure happiness and love. Strive for that, and envy loses its appeal.

By implementing these steps, a Muslim can move forward practically to rid themselves of envy. It might not happen overnight – it’s a gradual process of spiritual growth. You may slip up and catch yourself feeling envious at times, but with these tools you can recognize it and cut it off early. Over time, you’ll notice your heart becoming more at ease, more generous, and closer to Allah. This is a journey of becoming a better person as guided by Islam, and the effort spent is truly worth it.

Conclusion

In conclusion, the Islamic approach to envy (hasad) is a holistic blend of spiritual insight and practical guidance. Islam identifies envy as a dangerous disease of the heart, warns us of its spiritual and social consequences, and equips us with the tools to overcome it. It teaches us to be content with Allah’s decree, to love others selflessly, and to seek refuge in Allah from the evils of jealousy. By following these teachings, a person can transform envy into admiration, malice into love, and anxiety into peace. In doing so, we don’t just avoid a sin – we cultivate a heart that reflects the beauty of faith.

Ultimately, the goal for a Muslim is to meet Allah with a “Qalbun Saleem”, a sound heart. As the Qur’an says, on Judgment Day neither wealth nor children will benefit anyone “except one who comes to Allah with a pure heart” (26:88-89). A pure heart has no envy. Striving to purify our hearts from envy is a journey toward that ideal, and it’s a key part of what makes the Islamic way of life so comprehensive and sublime. May Allah help us all to remove envy from our hearts and fill them with contentment, gratitude, and love for others. Ameen.

Recommended Books ( Resources) on Envy and Purification of the Heart

For those interested in delving deeper into the topic of envy and how to cure the heart of such diseases from an Islamic perspective, here are some mainstream, highly-regarded books by scholars:

Each of these books approaches the topic with scholarly depth and wisdom, and they have been widely studied by Muslims. Reading such works can enrich one’s understanding and provide more detailed strategies and examples on taming envy and improving one’s character. Remember, learning is a continuous process – by seeking knowledge and applying it, we hope to inch closer to the ideal state of a believer’s heart: one that is pious, pure, and free of sin, hatred, and envy.