Why do I sometimes feel unhappy about others' success?

The feeling of unhappiness or discomfort at the success of others is a common human emotion that many of us experience at various points in our lives. This feeling can stem from various sources, ranging from comparing ourselves to others to a lack of contentment with what God has bestowed upon us. From an Islamic and Quranic perspective, this emotion often aligns with a spiritual ailment called 'envy' (hasad), or at least a 'negative emulation,' which requires attention and remedy. The Holy Quran and the Sunnah of the Prophet provide profound and effective ways to manage and eliminate such feelings, allowing individuals to attain inner peace and genuine contentment. One of the primary roots of this unhappiness is 'envy' (hasad). Envy means wishing for the removal of a blessing or success from others and its transfer to oneself. This concept is distinct from 'ghibtah' (emulation), which is the desire to possess a blessing or quality that another person has, without wishing for its removal from them. In Islam, envy is severely condemned and is considered a destructive plague for the heart and faith. In Surah Al-Falaq, verse 5, the Quran teaches us to seek refuge in Allah from the evil of an envier when he envies: 'And from the evil of an envier when he envies.' This verse indicates that envy is not only harmful to the envious person but can also spread its evil to others. The Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him) also said: 'Envy eats up good deeds just as fire eats up wood.' This metaphor illustrates how envy can nullify a person's good deeds and distance them from drawing closer to Allah. Another reason for this unhappiness is a lack of proper understanding of the concepts of 'rizq' (provision) and 'divine decree' (qadar). Allah Almighty introduces Himself as 'Ar-Razzaq' (The Sustainer) and determines and distributes the provision for each servant according to His wisdom. In Surah Az-Zukhruf, verse 32, Allah states: 'Is it 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 have 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 explains that differences in livelihood and success are part of Divine wisdom, aiming to foster interaction and mutual service within society. Understanding that everything that reaches us, or is given to others, is based on Allah's boundless knowledge and wisdom, can free the mind from futile and envious comparisons. The main remedy for confronting this feeling is 'contentment' (qana'ah) and 'gratitude' (shukr). Qana'ah means having inner satisfaction with what Allah has bestowed upon a person and not being greedy for anything beyond that. Contentment is an inexhaustible treasure that liberates a person from the bondage of material needs and brings true peace. The Prophet (PBUH) said: 'He has succeeded who has embraced Islam and has been provided with just enough, and Allah has made him content with what He has given him.' Alongside contentment, gratitude plays a vital role. When a person is grateful for their existing blessings, their mind shifts from focusing on deficiencies or what others possess, towards the abundance in their own life. Allah says in the Quran: 'If you are grateful, I will surely increase you [in favor]; but if you deny, indeed, My punishment is severe' (Ibrahim: 7). Gratitude not only increases blessings but also bestows a tranquil heart and a refreshed soul. Furthermore, it should not be forgotten that the worldly life is transient and temporary. Worldly successes, although they may shine for a time, are insignificant in the eternal and otherworldly scale. The Quran repeatedly emphasizes that the worldly life is merely 'play and amusement' and that true value lies in attaining Allah's pleasure and preparing for the Hereafter. In Surah Al-Hadid, verse 20, Allah says: 'Know that the life of this world is only play and amusement, pomp and mutual boasting among you, and rivalry in respect of wealth and children. [It is] like the example of a rain whose [resulting] plant growth pleases the disbelievers; then it dries and you see it turned yellow; then it becomes [scattered] debris. And in the Hereafter is a severe punishment and [also] forgiveness from Allah and approval. And what is the worldly life except the enjoyment of delusion.' This perspective helps to moderate our valuation of others' worldly successes and frees us from negative comparisons. Instead of envy, Islam teaches us to 'fastabiqul khayrat' (compete in good deeds). This healthy and constructive competition benefits not only the individual but also contributes to the progress of the entire community. Believers are brothers and sisters to one another and should rejoice in each other's success and wish well for each other. This is a sign of healthy faith and a spirit of altruism. When we wish well for others, positive energy also returns to us. Moreover, it is necessary to shift our focus from comparing ourselves to others to our 'personal growth journey.' Everyone has their unique mission and path in life. What is suitable for others is not necessarily for us, and vice versa. We should diligently strive for our personal and divine goals and ask Allah for His bounty: 'And ask Allah of His bounty' (An-Nisa: 32). Finally, strengthening faith and reliance on Allah (Tawakkul) is the key to overcoming these discomforts. When a person genuinely believes in their heart that all affairs are in Allah's hands and that He decrees the best for His servants, they attain deep tranquility. True reliance does not mean abandoning effort but striving to the utmost and entrusting the outcome to Allah's wise will. This reliance removes anxiety and envy, replacing them with contentment and hope. Therefore, to manage these feelings, let us focus on self-discipline, gratitude, contentment, reliance, and competing in good deeds. This way, instead of being unhappy about others' success, we can learn from it, find motivation for our own progress, and promote joy and empathy in society. This path leads to lasting peace and divine contentment. (900 words)