Jealousy and the Evil Eye

It is true that jealously is a very strong emotion and at times it blurs even the minds of knowledgeable and devout people. It is no wonder that is why the Prophet of Allah (sallallahu alayhi wa salam) said

“Jealousy eats away at good deeds, just as fire eats away at firewood.” [Sunan Ibn Majah]

Even the most well meaning and sincere people can be swayed by envy, indeed we live in a world where so many flaunt their wealth, beauty and good fortune sometimes one cannot help but be a little envious when we see others enjoying what we most desire.

Nowadays we see our friends on social networking sites like Facebook mentioning specific blessings or good news about theselves. They may mention facts about their happy married lives, their material wealth, their sucessful careers, the loveliness of their children. May Allah Subhana waTaala bless all brothers and sisters with such happiness but one must be aware that they may be opening a door to bringing the evil eye upon themselves.

Whenever we praise someone, or notice something nice about someone, it is imperative we follow it up with, preferably, “Allahumma barik” or “masha Allah.” Even if we don’t verbalize our praise, know that the shayaateen are sharply observing your sight. There is a reason why the evil eye is called an “evil eye”:

“And verily, those who disbelieve would almost make you slip with their eyes (through hatred)” (68:51)

Moreover not every blessing needs to be verbalized or broadcast to the world. That does not mean we should not be thankful or be miserable in front of others, nor should be blame every sorrow or mishap on the evil eye but certainly a balance should be maintained.

Indeed is not most preferable to spend the maximum amount of time thanking the One who has granted us our blessings?

To protect ourselves from both the evil eye and our own envious human nature it is recommended to read morning and evening Ayatul Kursi, Surah Falaq and Naas, and also the following:

* A’oodhu bi kalimaat-illaah il-taammati min sharri ma khalaqa (I seek refuge in the perfect words of Allah from the evil of that which He has created).

* A’oodhu bi kalimaat-illaah il-taammati min ghadabihi wa ‘iqaabihi, wa min sharri ‘ibaadihi wa min hamazaat al-shayaateeni wa an yahduroon (I seek refuge in the perfect words of Allah from His wrath and punishment, from the evil of His slaves and from the evil promptings of the devils and from their presence).