How can I cleanse myself from envy?

Envy is one of the most destructive and perilous spiritual diseases that can dry up the roots of faith and inner peace within a human being. This unpleasant emotion ignites in the heart when an individual feels distress, anger, and a desire for the disappearance of blessings and successes that others possess. The Holy Quran, this book of guidance and light, directly and indirectly addresses this condemned phenomenon and provides solutions for combating it, enabling individuals to cleanse their hearts from this impurity and achieve tranquility and divine satisfaction. Firstly, the Quran introduces envy as an evil and teaches us to seek refuge in Allah from it. Surah Al-Falaq clearly addresses this matter: "Say, 'I seek refuge in the Lord of daybreak... And from the evil of an envier when he envies.'" (Quran 113:1, 5). This verse indicates that envy is a destructive force from which one must seek refuge in their Creator. This act of seeking refuge is the first step on the path to liberation from the clutches of envy, as it connects the individual to the source of divine power and protection. By repeating this remembrance and deeply believing in Allah's power, the heart gradually frees itself from the fears and darkness caused by envy, and the light of hope and tranquility replaces them. This verse serves as a serious warning, highlighting that envy can be a source of external evil, but more importantly, it first burns and consumes the envious person from within, diverting them from the path of righteousness. It underscores the spiritual toxicity of envy, urging believers to fortify themselves with divine protection. One of the primary roots of envy is dissatisfaction with divine decree and the distribution of blessings. The Quran teaches us that everything is in the hands of Allah, and it is He who bestows honor and blessings upon whom He wills, and takes them away from whom He wills. In Surah Al-Imran, verse 26, Allah states: "Say, 'O Allah, Owner of Sovereignty, You give sovereignty to whom You will and You take sovereignty from whom You will. You honor whom You will and You humble whom You will. In Your hand is [all] good. Indeed, You are over all things competent.'" By understanding this truth—that every blessing comes from Allah and His wisdom prevails in its distribution—an individual realizes that envying others' provisions is meaningless. Instead of wishing for the disappearance of blessings from others, we should ask Allah to grant us from His bounty and generosity. This perspective transforms a negative competitive mindset into one of effort and seeking good from Allah. It cultivates a sense of contentment with one's own lot while maintaining hope for greater blessings through legitimate means. Recognizing that Allah's plan is perfect and just helps alleviate the internal turmoil that envy causes, fostering a deep sense of trust and surrender to His will. Another crucial Quranic solution is not to covet what Allah has bestowed upon others, but rather to ask for His grace. In Surah An-Nisa, verse 32, it is stated: "And do not wish for that by which Allah has made some of you exceed others. For men is a share of what they have earned, and for women is a share of what they have earned. And ask Allah of His bounty. Indeed Allah is ever, of all things, Knowing." This verse explicitly tells us that instead of wishing to possess what others have, thereby falling into envy, we should focus on our own efforts and lawful earnings and ask from Allah's infinite bounty. This shift in perspective moves us away from an envious gaze towards others and directs us towards self-improvement and reliance on Allah. Every individual has a share from their efforts, and Allah is All-Knowing, granting according to His wisdom. This guidance encourages a proactive approach to personal development and seeking legitimate sustenance, rather than a passive, resentful observation of others' successes. It emphasizes hard work and prayer, making one accountable for their own progress rather than blaming or resenting others for their blessings. To practically purify oneself from envy, in addition to seeking refuge in Allah and changing one's mindset, one must work on increasing gratitude and inner contentment. The Quran repeatedly emphasizes the importance of gratitude, stating: "If you are grateful, I will surely increase you [in favor]." (Quran 14:7). When an individual focuses on their blessings, however small, and is grateful for them, their heart becomes filled with contentment, leaving no room for envy. Furthermore, increasing faith and piety, and focusing on the afterlife, diminish the worldly life in one's perception and lessen the value of its fleeting adornments. One whose primary goal is Allah's satisfaction and eternal paradise will no longer engage in futile worldly competitions or envy others' meager possessions. Loving Allah's creation, praying for others' success, and sharing in their joys are also practical ways to eradicate the seeds of envy from the heart. When one genuinely wishes good for others, envy departs from their heart. Attending gatherings of remembrance (Dhikr) and Quran recitation, contemplating divine verses, and increasing awareness of the philosophy of creation and divine wisdom are also greatly helpful on this path. These Quranic solutions not only eliminate envy but also guide individuals towards true perfection and tranquility. Cleansing oneself from envy is an ongoing spiritual journey that, with Allah's help and continuous effort, will bear fruit.