Why do people get upset about others' success?

From the perspective of the Holy Quran, feelings of distress or discomfort at the success of others stem from spiritual and psychological ailments that the Quran has addressed. The most prominent and fundamental of these roots is 'hasad' (envy). Hasad signifies the desire for a blessing to disappear from another person and come to oneself, or simply feeling upset by others' blessings, even without wishing for their removal. The Quran identifies this trait as a great evil from which one should seek refuge in Allah. In Surah Al-Falaq, verse 5, Allah commands the Prophet Muhammad (PBUH) and, consequently, all believers to say: "And from the evil of an envier when he envies." This verse clearly indicates that envy is a destructive force that can harm an individual, both the envious and the envied. The very command to seek refuge from the evil of the envier signifies the intensity and widespread negative effects of envy. One of the primary reasons for the emergence of envy, according to the Quran, is the lack of acceptance of divine wisdom in the distribution of sustenance and blessings. Allah, the Almighty, based on His infinite knowledge and wisdom, distributes sustenance, talents, opportunities, and success among His servants. As stated in Surah An-Nisa, verse 54: "Or do they envy people for what Allah has given them of His bounty? But We had already given the family of Abraham the Scripture and wisdom and conferred upon them a great kingdom." This verse clearly indicates that envy often arises from a failure to comprehend that what others receive is from Allah's grace and bounty. Instead of trusting in Allah and striving to benefit from His divine favor themselves, envious individuals are displeased with divine distribution and question Allah's justice, which is a significant transgression. This mindset leads to spiritual unrest and a lack of inner peace. Furthermore, the Holy Quran repeatedly warns humanity against excessive attachment to worldly life and competition for material gains. In Surah Al-Hadid, verse 20, it states: "Know that the life of this world is only play and amusement, pomp and mutual boasting in rivalry and a piling up of wealth and children. [It is] like a rain whose [resulting] plant growth pleases the tillers; then it dries and you see it turned yellow; then it becomes [scattered] debris. And in the Hereafter is severe punishment or forgiveness from Allah and approval. And what is the worldly life except the enjoyment of delusion." This verse excellently explains that one of the main reasons for being upset by others' success is focusing on the fleeting aspects of this world, such as wealth, children, and social status. When a person values themselves through comparison with others in these worldly matters, and their primary goal becomes competition for boasting and accumulation (takathur), it is natural that another's success, instead of being inspiring, causes distress and regret. This perspective distances individuals from the primary purpose of creation, which is the worship of Allah and seeking His pleasure, and instead of moving towards perfection, it plunges them into the swamp of comparisons and envy. In contrast, the Quran invites believers to gratitude for Allah's blessings, both for themselves and for others, and also to contentment and acceptance of divine decree (qada and qadar). A person of faith knows that every blessing is from Allah, and envying others not only yields no benefit but also harms one's soul and spirit, weakening their relationship with their Lord. The Prophet Muhammad (PBUH) also emphasized avoiding envy in numerous hadiths, describing it as a destructive trait that consumes one's good deeds, just as fire consumes wood. To overcome this state, the Quran offers solutions such as seeking refuge in Allah, focusing on remembrance of Allah (dhikr), and rectifying one's perspective on this world and the Hereafter. Instead of envy, a believer should strive to excel in good deeds and virtuous acts, as the Quran states: "So hasten to [all] good deeds." This constructive competition, instead of destruction, helps in the growth and elevation of both the individual and society. Therefore, in the Quranic view, the root of this distress lies in a deficiency of faith, a lack of acceptance of divine wisdom, and worldly attachments, which can be remedied through self-purification, gratitude, and a divine perspective.