What recommendations are there in the Quran for avoiding envy?

Envy, this hidden and destructive spiritual disease, is one of the moral vices that the Holy Quran frequently refers to, issuing serious warnings about it. The Quran not only condemns envy but also offers practical and fundamental solutions to combat it, so that humanity may be protected from this devastating affliction. Envy, in its essence, is the desire for the cessation of blessings from another person and their transference to oneself, or simply the wish for another's blessings to disappear, regardless of whether they are transferred to oneself. This undesirable trait has deep roots in the human soul and can yield very bitter fruits in an individual's life and in society. One of the clearest and most explicit recommendations in the Quran regarding envy is found in Surah Al-Falaq. In this Surah, Allah instructs the Prophet, and through him all believers, to seek refuge with God from the evil of the envious: "And from the evil of the envier when he envies" (Quran 113:5). This verse highlights the dangers and harms of envy and emphasizes that the evil of the envier, when he envies, is a reality from which one must seek refuge in God. Seeking refuge in God is an acknowledgment of one's weakness in the face of this evil and a plea for help from the absolute divine power to protect oneself and one's blessings. This act serves as a form of spiritual prevention, helping the individual against the negative effects of others' envy and also against becoming afflicted with this vice oneself. This refuge brings peace to the believer and reminds them that everything is in God's hands, and no envy can cause harm without His permission. Beyond seeking refuge from the evil of the envier, the Holy Quran addresses the roots of envy by clarifying the foundations of a monotheistic worldview and ethics, providing internal remedies for its prevention. Envy often stems from dissatisfaction with divine decree, weakness of faith in God's justice, and a narrow-minded view of others' provisions and blessings. The Quran explicitly condemns this outlook and advises believers not to limit their gaze to what others possess. In Surah An-Nisa, verse 32, it states: "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 clearly indicates that Allah distributes sustenance and blessings according to His wisdom and justice, and everyone has a share from their efforts and His grace. Wishing for the disappearance of another's blessings and desiring their superiority for oneself is a form of objection to divine will. The Quranic solution here is, instead of envying, to ask God for His bounty for oneself; for His treasuries of mercy are endless, and there is no need to wish for the loss of something from another to possess it. The story of Cain and Abel in Surah Al-Ma'idah (verses 27 to 31) is a prime and instructive example of the devastating consequences of envy. The Holy Quran narrates this story as a warning and lesson for us. Cain, out of envy for the acceptance of Abel's offering by God, murdered his brother. This story clearly shows how envy can lead a person to the worst sins, destroying not only personal peace and happiness but also leading to major crimes and the destruction of human relationships. The main lesson from this story is that when envy takes root in the heart, logic and humanity disappear, and the individual even commits murder against his own brother. This is a serious warning that envy is not just a spiritual illness that harms only its possessor, but it can also corrupt society. To treat and prevent envy, the Quran offers numerous indirect ethical and spiritual solutions that help strengthen an individual's faith and moral foundations: 1. Strengthening faith in divine decree (Qada and Qadar) and God's justice: When a person believes that everything that happens in the world is according to divine wisdom and justice, and that God gives everyone what they deserve, their heart finds peace and they are less prone to envy. Accepting divine decree and being grateful for one's blessings creates a strong shield against the temptation of envy. The Quran invites believers to patience and gratitude for what they have been given and not given (Surah Ibrahim, verse 7: "If you are grateful, I will surely increase you [in favor]; but if you deny, indeed, My punishment is severe."). 2. Contentment (Qana'ah) and satisfaction with one's possessions: Focusing on one's own blessings and being grateful for them is one of the most effective ways to eliminate envy. When a person is content with what they have and appreciative of it, they are less likely to covet what others possess. The Holy Quran repeatedly encourages humanity to remember and be grateful for divine blessings, thereby cleansing the heart from greed and envy. 3. Promoting a spirit of brotherhood and solidarity: The Quran strongly emphasizes the necessity of brotherhood and love among believers (Surah Al-Hujurat, verse 10: "The believers are nothing else than brothers. So make reconciliation between your two brothers"). Envy destroys this spirit and sows the seeds of hatred and enmity. When a person desires good and blessings for their fellow believer, they naturally distance themselves from envy. Praying for an increase in others' blessings, instead of wishing for their loss, is a sign of this spirit. 4. Self-purification (Tazkiyah) and moral refinement: The Quran repeatedly calls for purifying the soul and cleansing it from moral vices (Surah Ash-Shams, verse 9: "He has succeeded who purifies it"). Envy is one of the biggest obstacles to self-purification. By spiritual discipline and striving to acquire moral virtues such as generosity, altruism, humility, and love, the root of envy can be dried up. 5. Focus on the Hereafter and the transient nature of this world: When a person understands that what is in this world is fleeting and temporary, and true values lie in the Hereafter, they will no longer envy others over worldly matters. By emphasizing the afterlife and the impermanence of this world, the Quran guides human vision towards higher goals and reduces attachment to worldly affairs, which are often the source of envy. In conclusion, the Holy Quran views envy not only as a moral sin but also as a spiritual disease that must be seriously combated. Quranic recommendations in this regard include directly seeking refuge in God from the envious, promoting a monotheistic view of sustenance, learning lessons from historical narratives such as Cain and Abel, and strengthening faith in divine justice, contentment, brotherhood, and self-purification. By adhering to these commands, a person can not only save themselves from the fire of envy but also contribute to a healthier and kinder society, one where cooperation and empathy prevail instead of negative and destructive rivalries. These recommendations provide a comprehensive guide for every believer who wishes to be free from this spiritual disease and find true peace in their life.