Why Do I Feel Injustice When Witnessing Others' Happiness?

The feeling of injustice when witnessing others' happiness or success is a complex yet common spiritual and emotional challenge experienced by many. This sentiment often stems from comparing oneself to others and can arise from a misunderstanding of divine wisdom and God's system of decree and management. The Holy Quran, with its profound and comprehensive insights, addresses this issue from various angles and offers solutions to overcome this feeling. The first point emphasized by the Quran is that the distribution of sustenance (rizq), as well as joy and sorrow, occurs based on divine wisdom and justice, not on our limited human understanding. Allah Almighty states in Surah Az-Zukhruf, verse 32: “Are they who apportion 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 service. But the mercy of your Lord is better than whatever they accumulate.” This verse clearly states that the divisions in this worldly life, including wealth and status, are God’s doing and are based on a profound wisdom that we may not fully comprehend. The purpose of these differences is to foster interaction and cooperation among people, not to generate feelings of envy or injustice. Secondly, the Quran emphasizes the temporary and fleeting nature of worldly life. The feeling of injustice often arises because we perceive worldly values (such as wealth, beauty, social status) as the ultimate measure of happiness and success. However, the Quran teaches us that these are merely transient adornments of this world. In Surah Al-Kahf, verses 45 and 46, it is stated: “And present to them the example of the life of this world, [being] like water which We send down from the sky, and the vegetation of the earth mingles with it and [then] it becomes dry remnants, scattered by the winds. And Allah is over all things competent. 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.” These verses remind us that what we possess in this world is temporary, and true value lies in righteous deeds and achievements in the Hereafter, which are everlasting. When our perspective shifts from fleeting possessions to good deeds and divine pleasure, the feeling of comparison and injustice fades away. One clear example of this feeling and how to deal with it is the story of Qarun (Korach) in Surah Al-Qasas. Qarun acquired immense wealth, so much so that the keys to his treasures were heavy for a strong group of men to carry. In verses 79 to 82 of Surah Al-Qasas, the Quran describes how a group of people, upon seeing his wealth, wished they were like Qarun and could enjoy such prosperity. This is precisely the feeling of injustice and longing that leads a person to compare themselves with others and desire what another possesses. However, another group, who were endowed with true knowledge, warned them that Allah’s reward for those who believe and do righteous deeds is far better. Then, Allah caused Qarun and all his wealth to be swallowed by the earth, and those who had wished for his position the day before learned a lesson from this event and understood that Allah expands or restricts sustenance for whomever He wills. This story clearly demonstrates that what appears outwardly to be a source of happiness and success might inwardly be a cause of destruction and trial, and what we perceive ourselves to be deprived of might itself be a blessing in disguise. To overcome this feeling, the Quran provides practical solutions: 1. Contentment (Qana'ah) and Gratitude (Shukr): Instead of longing for what others have, focus on what you possess (health, family, faith, abilities) and be grateful. Allah says 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.” Gratitude opens doors to more blessings and strengthens the feeling of contentment. 2. Patience (Sabr) and Trust in Allah (Tawakkul): Be patient in the face of perceived deficiencies or injustices and trust in God's wisdom and justice. Surah Al-Baqarah, verse 153 states: “O you who have believed, seek help through patience and prayer. Indeed, Allah is with the patient.” Patience is not just enduring hardships; it is also accepting divine decree and hoping for ease. 3. Focus on Personal Duties and the Hereafter: Instead of being preoccupied with others' lives, focus on your own duties and responsibilities towards God, family, and society. Know that everyone is accountable for their own deeds, and reward and punishment are based on one's own efforts. By focusing on the Hereafter and seeking God's pleasure through righteous deeds, this world and its possessions diminish in significance, and the feeling of injustice gives way to peace and certainty. Ultimately, this feeling of injustice can be a sign of envy (hasad), which is a spiritual disease condemned in the Quran (e.g., seeking refuge from the evil of the envious in Surah Al-Falaq). To cure this feeling, one must engage in self-reflection and, by strengthening faith, gain a deeper understanding of divine justice and the reality of worldly life. Understanding that true happiness and success in this world are not necessarily tied to apparent wealth and power, and that these worldly matters might even be means of trial for individuals, helps one to be freed from the chains of comparison and find inner peace. It must be known that Allah is the Absolute Just, and He does not wrong anyone even by the weight of an atom; everything He gives or takes is within the framework of His wisdom and justice.