What To Do When You’re Afflicted By Hasad (Envy)
I've heard many people ask, "Is the evil eye a real thing? If so, how do you avoid it? Do you hide everything good from others? Can you go on social media or do public speaking?” The Prophet PBUH said,
"Beware of envy, for it consumes good deeds just as fire consumes wood or grass." (Abu Dawood)
In Islam, the evil eye is a reality, and it can be powerful. The scholars explain that it is Allah's will. Sometimes, Allah SWT creates harmful effects from the evil or jealous looks of others.
However, as humans, we have the power to ward off the hasad if we learn to protect ourselves using the medicine from the Sunnah of the Prophet PBUH.
Some safety measures to take against hasad
1. We can recite the 3 Quls (Qul Huwa Allahu Ahad, Falaq, and Naas) every morning and every night, ideally three times. It is also recommended to say them once after every prayer and, at their best, before going to sleep at night. This should be done intentionally, with your heart and mind.
2. We can recite Ayat al-Kursi every morning and every night. It is also ideal to recite it after every prayer and before going to sleep at night. You should reflect on the powerful meanings of these verses as well.
3. We can frequently supplicate to Allah to protect us from the evil eye. One of the best Prophetic supplication's we have been given for hasad is:
أَعُوذُ بِكَلِمَاتِ اللَّهِ التَّامَّةِ مِنْ كُلِّ شَيْطَانٍ وَهَامَّةٍ وَمِنْ كُلِّ عَيْنٍ لَامَّةٍ
a'udhu bi kalimaatillahi ttaammati min kulli shaytaanin wa haamma wa min kulli `aynin laamma
I seek refuge in the most perfect words of Allah from every devil, harmful thing, and accusing eye. (Bukhari, Tirmidhi, Abu Dawud, and Ahmad)
4. We should try to make dua before all major acts we want to accomplish. We should ask Allah SWT to give us success (tawfiq), sincerity (ikhlas), and make the action a means of attaining the love and good pleasure (rida) of Allah the Most Merciful.
Make these recitations and duas a part of your daily life, and don't forget to say them for your spouse and children too. Then remind your family to say it for themselves daily as well. I live by the beautiful words of Sayyidi Abd al-Ghani al-Nabulsi, who said:
كُنْ مَعَ الله *** تَرَ اللهَ مَعَك
"Be with Allah. You will find Allah with you."
We can be with Allah by turning to Him in all our affairs. By obeying His commands out of love, gratitude, true worship, and servitude. We can find Allah with us because He is "closer to you than your jugular vein." Moreover, Allah SWT NEVER EVER lets the efforts of those who seek Him go unanswered.
So, the answer to the questions at the beginning of this article is no. You don't need to go into hiding or avoid speaking of the good in your life. However, we have a responsibility, which is not to be boastful, arrogant, or full of pride. There is a thin line between being proud and being confident. Likewise, there is a thin line between being positive and making others feel bad because of your blessings.
Islam teaches us not to boast of our blessings to the world because it is human nature to want the things we do not have. The Prophet (PBUH) said,
"Resort to secrecy for the fulfillment and success of your needs, for verily, everyone who has a blessing is envied." [reported by At-Tabaraani]
It's the nafsi, nafsi (me, myself, and I) within ourselves that we have to curb, and then there's our intention. When we speak or show our blessings in public or otherwise, what's our real intention? That's a question we need to always ask ourselves before we share our barakah, because most times, our intentions may not be as pure as we think.
To have the right intention, whatever we do has to be purely for the sake of Allah. Then, if a worldly benefit is derived from it, it's a bonus! If it doesn't, we are still pleased that we did it for the sake of Allah and will be rewarded.
I have found my guide to be, after my intention to please Allah, ensuring that whatever I do, especially in the public eye, I do it for a greater good. What this means is that I ask myself often, "Why am I doing this?" and "Will people benefit from this?". If I feel comfortable that it fulfills those requirements, I follow the guidelines and recite my duas, and then I go ahead and share some good things with a clear mind.
Salam, I’m Zakeeya!
I believe that making our homes a safe haven for our families, as well as being a wife and mother, brings us great blessings, contentment, and benefits to society as a whole. Since 2011, I've been dedicated to assisting Muslimas in finding tranquility in their roles, taking better care of themselves, and achieving inner peace. Our journey in this world is not an easy one, but I pray the tools and guidance I offer will help you face life's challenges with more gratitude and mindfulness. Join me as I share wifehood, motherhood, homemaking, and lifestyle solutions that make life more fulfilling for you as a woman! Read more about me here.
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