How can one overcome envy?

Envy, this hidden and destructive disease of the heart, is one of the moral vices that can profoundly affect human inner peace and social relationships. Although the Holy Quran does not directly provide a 'step-by-step guide' to eliminate envy, its profound and wise teachings identify the roots of this illness and offer comprehensive and fundamental solutions for purifying the soul and heart from this affliction. The Quranic solution to overcoming envy is a holistic approach that emphasizes faith, reliance on God, gratitude, patience, and the rectification of inner and outer attitudes and behaviors. Firstly, the Quran teaches us to seek refuge in God from the evil of the envious. Surah Al-Falaq, verse 5, states: 'And from the evil of an envier when he envies.' This verse indicates that envy is an evil and a harm, and one should seek refuge from it in God. This seeking of refuge implies both divine protection from the malice of envious individuals and seeking God's help to cleanse one's own heart from this undesirable trait. Understanding that Allah is the Distributor of blessings and that whatever reaches anyone is from His wisdom and will is the first step in treating envy. One of the most fundamental Quranic teachings that directly addresses envy is verse 32 of Surah An-Nisa, which states: 'And do not covet that by which Allah has preferred some of you over 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 is key to freeing oneself from envy. The Quran teaches us not to wish for what Allah has bestowed upon others. This statement reminds us that everyone receives their share and portion in life based on their efforts. This division is based on divine wisdom and justice, and in the meantime, each individual should be content with what they possess. Instead of coveting others' possessions, they should ask for good and blessings from Allah's grace and generosity for themselves. This perspective transforms the narrow and limited circle of 'me and them' into the vast horizon of 'me and God,' opening up a space for prayer and asking from God instead of envy and negative competition. This automatically lifts the heavy burden of envy from a person's shoulders. Gratitude is one of the most powerful antidotes to envy. In Surah Ibrahim, verse 7, Allah says: 'And [remember] when your Lord proclaimed, 'If you are grateful, I will surely increase you [in favor]; but if you deny, indeed, My punishment is severe.'' When a person looks at their possessions, even the smallest ones, with a grateful eye, their heart is filled with the light of contentment and satisfaction. This inner contentment leaves no room for envying the blessings of others. Gratitude shifts a person's attention from 'what I don't have and they do' to 'what I have and for which I should be thankful,' and this change in perspective is the most fundamental step in freeing oneself from envy. Reliance on Allah (Tawakkul) and acceptance of divine decree (Qadar) also play a crucial role in combating envy. The Quran teaches us that all affairs are in the hands of Allah, and He is the Sustainer and Giver of blessings. When an individual believes that everyone's provision is decreed and cannot be taken from another, or that another cannot take their provision, then envy becomes meaningless. In Surah Hud, verse 6, we read: 'And there is no creature on earth but that upon Allah is its provision.' This deep understanding of divine provision brings immense peace of mind to a person and frees them from greed and covetousness, and consequently, from envy. Patience (Sabr) and perseverance in the face of life's difficulties and challenges also greatly help in controlling envy. The Holy Quran repeatedly emphasizes patience and considers it the key to resolving many issues. An envious person usually cannot tolerate the successes of others because they believe they themselves are or should be more deserving. Patience helps a person maintain their inner tranquility when faced with apparent differences and inequalities, and instead of blame and envy, to strive for more legitimate effort. In Surah Al-Baqarah, verse 153, we read: 'O you who have believed, seek help through patience and prayer. Indeed, Allah is with the patient.' This verse indicates that patience and connection with God (prayer) are two primary tools for overcoming internal and external problems, including envy. Furthermore, the Quran emphasizes the importance of purifying the self (tazkiyat al-nafs) and refining character. Envy is an inner impurity that must be eliminated. Focusing on one's own spiritual and moral growth, instead of focusing on others, is a way to eradicate envy. Engaging in good deeds and helping others, strengthening the spirit of brotherhood and solidarity in society, and avoiding backbiting and slander (which often stem from envy) are other Quranic solutions for combating this undesirable trait. Let us remember that envy not only harms the envious person but also poisons the spirit of society and destroys unity and harmony. By cultivating a heart of love and forgiveness and focusing on one's divine path, we can gradually free ourselves from the darkness of envy and move towards peace and divine light. Ultimately, freedom from envy is a continuous process that requires self-awareness, constant care for the heart and soul, and reliance on Quranic guidance and the help of Almighty God.