Envy (hasad) is one of the most destructive diseases of the heart. It is the silent fire that burns within, eating away at one’s peace and good deeds long before it ever harms the person being envied. In Islam, envy is not a minor fault; it is a dangerous spiritual illness that distances a believer from Allah and corrodes the purity of the soul.
WHAT IS ENVY
Envy means to resent the blessings Allah has given to someone else and to wish that those blessings be taken away. Unlike admiration, which can inspire us to strive for good, envy breeds resentment, bitterness, and anger at the decree of Allah.
The Prophet Muhammad ﷺ warned:
“Beware of envy, for indeed it destroys good deeds just as fire consumes wood.”
(Sunan Abu Dawud)
This hadith highlights the devastating effect of envy. Just as fire leaves nothing but ashes, envy leaves a person with wasted deeds and a hardened heart.
ENVY IS A REJECTION OF ALLAH’S WISDOM
At its root, envy is dissatisfaction with Allah’s divine decree. When we envy someone’s wealth, knowledge, beauty, or success, we are indirectly questioning why Allah gave it to them instead of us. But Allah says clearly:
“Do not wish for that by which Allah has made some of you exceed others. For men is a share of what they earned, and for women is a share of what they earned. And ask Allah of His bounty.”
(Qur’an 4:32)
Instead of resenting others, Islam teaches us to turn to Allah, the Giver of all blessings, and seek His favor through du‘a and effort.
THE EFFECTS OF ENVY
Envy is not only a spiritual illness but also an emotional burden. It robs a person of inner peace, fills the heart with negativity, and prevents one from appreciating their own blessings. It can lead to hatred, broken relationships, and even physical harm if left unchecked.
But the first victim of envy is always the envier himself. His heart remains restless, his eyes blind to his own gifts, and his deeds consumed by resentment.
THE ANTIDOTE TO ENVY
Islam provides powerful remedies for envy:
Gratitude Focusing on our own blessings and thanking Allah protects the heart from jealousy.
Du‘a for others When we pray for those we envy, our envy turns into compassion, and Allah may grant us similar blessings.
Contentment (qana‘ah) Remembering that provision is written by Allah frees us from comparison.
Istighfar Seeking forgiveness cleanses the heart of hidden diseases like envy.
CONCLUSION
Envy is a poison that destroys the heart before it harms others. It eats away at faith, ruins good deeds, and creates discontent with Allah’s decree. But through gratitude, du‘a, and trust in Allah’s wisdom, envy can be replaced with peace and contentment.
A believer’s heart should be free from envy, filled instead with love for others, and trust in the One who gives to whom He wills. The cure is not in competing with others, but in turning to Allah, the Owner of all blessings.
