How to Overcome Envy?

Envy (Hasad) is one of the most destructive spiritual diseases that can corrupt the human heart and rob it of peace. This unpleasant feeling arises from observing a blessing or success in another person, where the envious individual wishes for that blessing to be removed from the other and transferred to themselves, or at least for them to possess a similar blessing, often accompanied by dissatisfaction with what they already have. The Holy Quran, both directly and indirectly, addresses this phenomenon and provides profound remedies to combat it, which not only eradicate envy at its root but also foster the spiritual growth and elevation of the individual. One of the most fundamental Quranic teachings that plays a key role in combating envy is a correct understanding of Divine provision (Rizq) and God's distribution. Almighty Allah emphasizes in numerous verses of the Holy Quran that He is the Sustainer and Distributor of blessings, and He provides for each person according to His will and wisdom. In Surah Az-Zukhruf, verse 32, we read: “Is it they who distribute the mercy of your Lord? It is We who have apportioned among them their livelihood in the life of this world and raised some of them above others in degrees [of rank] that they may employ one another in services. But the mercy of your Lord is better than whatever they accumulate.” This verse clearly states that the distribution of sustenance and differing ranks among people is from Allah, based on a wisdom that only He knows. When a person truly believes that whatever they possess, and whatever others possess, is from Allah, and that He distributes with wisdom and justice, there is no room left for envy. Envy is, in essence, a form of protest against Divine decree and a lack of contentment with one's own portion. Another crucial remedy is cultivating a spirit of gratitude (Shukr). 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.'” Envy often stems from overlooking one's own blessings and focusing on the possessions of others. The envious person diminishes their own blessings and magnifies those of others. By continuously being grateful to Allah for all blessings, whether they are health, family, faith, abilities, or even challenges that have provided opportunities for growth, the human heart becomes filled with the light of contentment, leaving no space for the darkness of envy. Gratitude is a gateway to increased blessings and inner peace. The Quran also teaches us to seek refuge with Allah from the evil of the envious. Surah Al-Falaq, specifically in verse 5, states: “And from the evil of an envier when he envies.” This verse indicates that envy is not only harmful to the envious person themselves but can also cause harm and mischief to others. Seeking refuge with Allah is an acknowledgment of one's weakness in the face of this temptation and an admission of Allah’s infinite power to protect. This act has both an external dimension (protection from the harm of envious people) and an internal dimension (helping oneself to be freed from envy). The Quran’s emphasis on brotherhood and sisterhood among believers is also a way to curb envy. In Surah Al-Hujurat, verse 10, it is stated: “The believers are nothing else than brothers. So make reconciliation between your brothers, and fear Allah, that you may receive mercy.” If believers truly consider each other as brothers and sisters, they will view their sibling's success as their own success, rather than a cause for envy. This perspective strengthens feelings of cooperation, empathy, and joy for others' achievements. Envy severs these sacred bonds and sows seeds of resentment in the heart. Furthermore, focusing on the Hereafter and the transient nature of this world is another significant factor in reducing envy. The Holy Quran repeatedly calls upon people to remember that this world is merely a passing abode, and what is with Allah is everlasting and better. In Surah Al-Kahf, verse 46, Allah says: “Wealth and children are [but] adornment of the worldly life. But the enduring good deeds are better to your Lord for reward and better for [one's] hope.” When a person understands that what others possess in this world is fleeting and that true value lies in righteous deeds and attaining Allah's pleasure, then envy over perishable things loses its meaning. The real competition should be in striving for piety and closeness to Allah, not in accumulating worldly possessions. Finally, the Holy Quran advises us against coveting what Allah has bestowed upon some of His servants over others. In Surah An-Nisa, verse 32, we read: “And do not wish for 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 directly addresses the root of envy, which is the desire and longing for what another possesses. What is the remedy? Instead of wishing for what others have, we should ask Allah for His bounty directly for ourselves. This shift in perspective, from comparison to directly seeking Allah’s favor, is a liberating path from envy. In summary, to prevent envy, it is essential to fill our hearts with faith in Allah’s decree and justice, cultivating profound gratitude and contentment. Instead of looking at what others possess, we should focus on our own blessings and ask Allah for more of His favor. Additionally, we must seek refuge in Allah from the evil of the envious and the temptation of envy itself, and cultivate a spirit of brotherhood and solidarity. These are all remedies derived from the comprehensive and perfect teachings of the Holy Quran, capable of purifying a person from the defilement of envy and leading them to inner peace and spiritual elevation.