How to combat envy and materialism?

Envy and 'keeping up with the Joneses,' which fundamentally stem from a deep-seated desire to compete and accumulate worldly possessions, represent profound psychological and social challenges that can strip an individual of inner peace and life satisfaction. The Holy Quran, with its comprehensive view of human existence and our relationship with the world, offers fundamental solutions to combat this pervasive issue. The core root of envy and rivalry lies in an excessive focus on what others possess, coupled with a profound neglect of the divine blessings bestowed upon oneself. This phenomenon not only leads to dissatisfaction and regret but can also strain human relationships, fostering animosity and resentment. To counter this spiritual ailment, the Quran first corrects human perception regarding the transient nature of this world versus the eternal reality of the Hereafter, and then provides ethical and practical advice for achieving tranquility and contentment. The first and most crucial step in overcoming envy and materialism is to shift one's perspective and re-prioritize. The Quran repeatedly highlights the fleeting and deceptive nature of worldly life, calling humanity towards enduring and true values. In Surah Al-Hadid, verse 20, Allah states: "Know that the life of this world is only play and amusement, pomp and mutual boasting and rivalry in wealth and children..." This verse explicitly clarifies that the essence of worldly life is built upon pride, competition, and excessive accumulation. When an individual understands that competition in wealth and progeny is merely a fleeting game and that true value lies with Allah, the inclination towards envy gradually diminishes. Similarly, Surah At-Takathur explicitly condemns "mutual rivalry" and "accumulation," showing that these tendencies divert humanity from their primary purpose of creation until they reach their graves. These verses provide a key insight: true and lasting wealth resides in the Hereafter, not in the futile competitions of this transient world. The next step involves cultivating a deep sense of contentment (qana'ah) and gratitude (shukr). The Quran places immense emphasis on being thankful for divine blessings. When a person focuses on what they possess rather than what they lack, and expresses gratitude for it, their heart becomes filled with satisfaction. Gratitude opens doors to further blessings, as stated in Surah Ibrahim, verse 7: "If you are grateful, I will surely increase you [in favor]; but if you deny, indeed, My punishment is severe." This verse illustrates that through gratitude, not only do we feel better, but Allah also increases His blessings upon us. Furthermore, the Quran warns us against coveting what Allah has bestowed upon others. In Surah An-Nisa, verse 32, it declares: "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 clearly states that everyone has their unique provision, and instead of wishing for others' possessions, it is better to ask Allah for His bounty for ourselves. This perspective eradicates envy and replaces it with trust in Allah and reasonable effort. Moreover, focusing on self-improvement and spiritual growth instead of engaging in comparisons with others is another Quranic remedy. A true believer's concern is to attain Allah's pleasure and proximity to Him, not to accumulate more wealth or compete with others in worldly matters. The remembrance of Allah (dhikr) is the source of true peace for hearts, as mentioned in Surah Ar-Ra'd, verse 28: "Those who have believed and whose hearts are assured by the remembrance of Allah. Unquestionably, by the remembrance of Allah hearts are assured." When one's heart finds peace through the remembrance of Allah, there is no longer a need for futile competitions to gain false tranquility in the material world. This inner peace helps individuals break free from the snares of envy and experience a life of greater contentment. Ultimately, the Quran teaches us to focus on cooperation and mutual assistance rather than unhealthy competition. The Islamic community is built upon brotherhood and mutual support, not upon envy and animosity. Giving charity (sadaqah) and helping those in need not only purifies one's wealth and heart but also brings blessings into life. In essence, envy and 'keeping up with the Joneses' are symptoms of a spiritual illness whose cure lies in returning to authentic Quranic values: reliance on Allah, contentment, gratitude, acceptance of divine decree, lawful striving for sustenance, and focusing on spiritual growth and serving humanity. By applying these principles, one can be liberated from the chains of material competition and attain true felicity.