The Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him) warned us about the dangers of envy, saying:
“Beware of envy because indeed envy destroys good deeds in the same manner as fire destroys wood.”
Envy, or hasad, occurs when we harbour ill feelings toward someone simply because they possess something we wish we had—whether it’s wealth, intelligence, talent, or popularity. This jealousy can cause us to feel uneasy in their presence, dislike hearing about their successes, and even feel satisfaction at their misfortunes. Often, it is hidden deep within, but it remains a spiritual sickness, harming our soul and hearts.
Imam Jafar Sadiq (may Allah be pleased with him) described it as one of the "calamities for one's religion," alongside self-admiration and pride. Envy poisons our faith and disrupts inner peace, often without us realizing it. Islamic scholars teach that envy was one of the first sins: when Allah commanded the angels to bow to Adam, Iblis refused out of jealousy, saying:
“Do You see? This one whom You have honored above me, if You give me respite to the Day of Judgment, I shall surely bring his descendants under my sway, all but a few.”
— (Quran, Al-Isra’ 17:62)
The Effect of Envy on the Heart
The hardening of the heart is a grave consequence of envy. Allah’s Messenger (peace be upon him) said:
“When a believer sins, a black spot or stain is marked on his heart, and if he repents and asks for forgiveness, his heart is polished; but if he continues to sin, the black spot increases until it covers his heart.”
— (Al-Tirmidhi)
This “rust” mentioned in the Quran (Al-Quran 83:14) illustrates how unchecked sins like envy can cause the heart to darken and harden, distancing us from guidance and mercy. However, sincere repentance can cleanse the heart, restoring its purity and strength.
The Remedy: Seeking Forgiveness
The first step to freeing ourselves from it is by seeking forgiveness from Allah (istighfar). When our hearts are clouded by sins, it becomes difficult to distinguish between right and wrong. Allah, in His infinite mercy, encourages us to seek forgiveness:
“Seek His forgiveness so that you may be shown mercy.”
Regular istighfar helps to cleanse the heart and draws us closer to Allah, allowing us to appreciate the blessings He has given us. Additionally, Allah reminds us in the Quran to seek refuge from envy:
“Say: I seek refuge in the Lord of the dawn… from the evil of the envious when he envies.”
— (Quran, Soorah al-Falaq 113:1)
Strengthening the Heart Through Good Company
An effective way to avoid envy is to seek good company and avoid those who encourage idle talk and negative feelings. The Prophet (peace be upon him) advised:
“It is better to sit alone than in company with the bad; and it is better still to sit with the good than alone. It is better to speak to a seeker of knowledge than to remain silent; but silence is better than idle words.”
— (Bukhari)
Envy often grows in idle moments or unguarded gatherings where negative thoughts are encouraged. By surrounding ourselves with those who remind us of Allah and encourage gratitude, we can better guard our hearts from envy.
May Allah protect us from the destructive sickness of envy and fill our hearts with contentment and gratitude. Ameen.
In Islam, our journey is one of constant self-improvement, humility, and connection to Allah. Envy disrupts this path, pulling us away from gratitude and contentment with Allah's divine wisdom in distributing blessings. By seeking forgiveness, reflecting on our blessings, and surrounding ourselves with positive influences, we can protect our hearts from the corrosive effects of envy and deepen our bond with Allah. Let us remember that true peace comes from acceptance and gratitude, trusting that Allah’s plan for each of us is uniquely perfect. May Allah purify our hearts, guide us toward goodness, and grant us contentment with His wisdom. Ameen.