How can I move from jealousy to inner peace?

Jealousy, this burning inner flame, is one of the most destructive spiritual diseases that can utterly obliterate individual and social peace and well-being. The Holy Quran, this book of divine guidance, delves into the roots of jealousy and offers effective ways to overcome it and attain true serenity. Jealousy, in essence, is a dissatisfaction with divine decree and an unwillingness to accept the sustenance and blessings that Allah has bestowed upon others, while one remains oblivious to one's own blessings. In numerous verses, Allah addresses this spiritual state and points the way out of it. The first step towards achieving peace and liberation from jealousy is to understand its nature and acknowledge that it is a negative and destructive emotion. The Quran explicitly touches upon this subject, particularly in Surah Al-Falaq, where we seek refuge in Allah from the evil of an envier when he envies. This indicates that jealousy harms not only the envied person but also the envier, darkening their heart. When we become aware of the internal damage caused by jealousy, we gain a strong motivation to combat it. Jealousy extinguishes the light of gratitude in the heart and plunges a person into an abyss of endless comparisons and misplaced regrets. One of the main keys to peace in the Quran is 'Tawakkul' (reliance on Allah). Tawakkul means having a firm conviction that Allah is the ultimate Provider and that whatever He bestows upon His servants is based on His infinite knowledge and wisdom. When a person reaches this deep conviction—that all sustenance, opportunities, and blessings come from Allah, and He grants to each what He deems appropriate—there is no longer any room for jealousy. In Surah At-Talaq, verse 3, it states: "And whoever relies upon Allah – He is sufficient for him." This verse not only provides reassurance in material matters but also brings deep spiritual and mental peace. Jealousy stems from the false belief that what another person has was taken from me or could have been mine; however, Tawakkul teaches us that everyone has their share, and this allocation originates from divine wisdom. The next stage is 'Shukr' (gratitude). The Quran repeatedly emphasizes the importance of being grateful for divine blessings. When a person focuses on the countless blessings they possess (such as health, family, faith, abilities, etc.) instead of concentrating on others' possessions, and expresses gratitude for them, their heart becomes filled with contentment and peace. Gratitude shifts a person's perspective from what they lack to what they have, and this shift in perspective is a powerful antidote to jealousy. In Surah Ibrahim, verse 7, Allah says: "If you are grateful, I will surely increase you [in favor]." This verse indicates that gratitude not only contributes to current peace but also leads to an increase in blessings, rendering jealousy meaningless, as the individual knows that their blessings will multiply through gratitude. 'Dhikr' (remembrance of Allah) is also the backbone of inner peace. In Surah Ar-Ra'd, verse 28, it is stated: "Unquestionably, by the remembrance of Allah hearts are assured." When a person's heart finds tranquility through the remembrance of Allah, there is no longer any room for negative emotions like jealousy to flourish. The remembrance of Allah connects a person to their true existence and the ultimate purpose of life, deterring them from engaging in futile worldly comparisons. Dhikr can include reciting the Quran, prayer (Salat), supplication (Du'a), seeking forgiveness (Istighfar), and any act that brings the heart closer to Allah. This connection empowers a person to resist envious temptations and, instead of wishing for the downfall of others' blessings, to pray for their well-being. 'Sabr' (patience and steadfastness) and 'Qana'ah' (contentment) are two other moral virtues emphasized by the Quran that play a crucial role in repelling jealousy. Sabr helps a person to exercise self-restraint in the face of what they have lost or what another has gained, while Qana'ah means being satisfied with the minimum and avoiding greed and covetousness. In Surah An-Nisa, verse 32, Allah says: "And do not wish for that by which Allah has preferred some of you over others." This verse directly addresses the root of jealousy—the desire to have what another possesses—and forbids it. Contentment fosters a sense of satisfaction in the heart and frees a person from the grip of unhealthy competition and fruitless rivalry. With contentment, one allows oneself to enjoy their own life and not look enviously at the lives of others. Finally, 'Ihsan' (doing good to others) and 'praying for believers' are also Quranic teachings that indirectly eradicate jealousy. When a person does good to others and wishes them well, their heart is purified from grudges and jealousies. In Surah Al-Hashr, verse 10, we read: "And those who came after them say, 'Our Lord, forgive us and our brothers who preceded us in faith and put not in our hearts [any] resentment toward those who believed. Our Lord, indeed You are Kind and Merciful.'" This supplication demonstrates that asking Allah to cleanse the heart from jealousy and resentment is a Quranic solution. Helping others and rejoicing in their successes not only eliminates jealousy but replaces it with love and affection, bringing profound and lasting peace. By adhering to these teachings, one can tame the demon of jealousy and walk on the path of happiness with a heart full of tranquility and contentment.