Why does envy exist even in the hearts of believers?

Envy, known as 'hasad' in Arabic, is a complex human emotion, a deep-seated disease of the heart that the Holy Quran and the Sunnah of the Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him) extensively warn against. The question of why envy exists even in the hearts of believers is profound, touching upon the very nature of human beings, the ongoing spiritual struggle (jihad al-nafs), and the pervasive influence of Shaytan (Satan). It's crucial to understand that merely having a fleeting thought or feeling of envy does not immediately disqualify one from being a believer. Rather, it is how one acknowledges, confronts, and ultimately strives to overcome this emotion that defines their spiritual strength and commitment to their faith. The Quran recognizes the inherent weaknesses and inclinations within human nature. Humans are created with a tendency towards covetousness, impatience, and a desire for worldly adornments. Allah says in Surah Al-Kahf (18:46): “Wealth and children are the adornment of the worldly life.” While these are blessings from Allah, they can also become sources of trial and comparison. When a believer sees another person blessed with something they desire – be it wealth, knowledge, beauty, status, or success – a seed of envy might momentarily sprout. This initial stirring is a test, a whisper from Shaytan. The believer's response to this whisper determines whether it becomes a destructive force or remains a fleeting thought to be swiftly dismissed. The very essence of faith (Iman) is not the absence of human flaws but the continuous striving to purify the soul (tazkiyat al-nafs) and align one's desires with the will of Allah. Islam provides a comprehensive framework for this purification. When a person embraces Islam, they don't instantly shed all their negative human traits. Instead, they embark on a lifelong journey of self-improvement, guided by divine revelation. Envy, like anger, pride, or greed, is one of these ingrained human predispositions that requires constant vigilance and spiritual discipline to manage. The Quran highlights instances where envy played a role, even among those who possessed knowledge or faith. For example, Surah Al-Baqarah (2:109) speaks of some People of the Scripture who, “out of envy from themselves,” wished to turn believers back to disbelief after the truth had become clear to them. This demonstrates that deep-seated envy can blind individuals to truth and lead them to wish ill upon others, even those striving for righteousness. This form of envy is rooted in arrogance and a rejection of divine grace bestowed upon others. Shaytan, the arch-enemy of humanity, plays a significant role in fanning the flames of envy. His primary objective is to sow discord, create enmity, and lead people astray. By whispering thoughts of comparison, dissatisfaction, and resentment into the hearts of believers, he seeks to weaken their faith, corrupt their good deeds, and divert them from gratitude and contentment. The Quran repeatedly warns against Shaytan's machinations and encourages believers to seek refuge in Allah from his evil suggestions, as exemplified in Surah Al-Falaq (113:5), which explicitly commands us to seek refuge “from the evil of an envier when he envies.” This verse acknowledges the reality of envy and its potential harm, emphasizing the need for divine protection. So, how does a believer combat this insidious emotion? The Quran offers profound remedies: 1. Cultivating Gratitude (Shukr): The Quran constantly reminds us to be grateful for Allah's blessings. When a believer focuses on their own countless blessings, rather than what others possess, envy loses its foothold. Surah Ibrahim (14:7) states: “If you are grateful, I will surely increase you [in favor]; but if you deny, indeed, My punishment is severe.” Gratitude shifts focus from perceived lack to abundant grace. 2. Contentment (Qana'ah) and Reliance on Allah (Tawakkul): Understanding that Allah is the ultimate provider and distributes His bounties according to His infinite wisdom and justice helps alleviate envy. Every person's provision and circumstances are part of a divine plan. Surah Az-Zukhruf (43:32) says: “Is it they who distribute the mercy of your Lord? We distribute among them their livelihood in the worldly life and raise 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 teaches that differences in worldly provisions are part of Allah's system. True contentment comes from accepting Allah's decree. 3. Seeking Refuge in Allah (Du'a): As mentioned in Surah Al-Falaq, actively seeking Allah's protection from the evil of envy is a potent spiritual weapon. Regular supplication strengthens one's connection with Allah and builds a spiritual shield against negative influences. 4. Focusing on Self-Improvement and the Hereafter: Instead of coveting what others have, believers are encouraged to focus on improving themselves, accumulating good deeds, and striving for the eternal rewards of the Hereafter. The true competition is in righteousness, not in worldly gains. 5. Understanding Ghibtah vs. Hasad: It's important to distinguish between destructive envy (hasad) and a permissible form of 'envy' called 'ghibtah.' Ghibtah is when one wishes to possess a similar blessing or quality as another without wishing for the other person to lose it. For example, desiring to have knowledge like a scholar or wealth to spend in charity like a generous person, without wishing they lose their knowledge or wealth. This form of aspiration is healthy and can motivate good deeds. Hasad, however, is wishing for the loss of another's blessing, which is unequivocally forbidden and destructive. In conclusion, the presence of envy in the heart of a believer is a testament to the ongoing human struggle against their lower self (nafs) and the persistent whispers of Shaytan. Faith does not eliminate these challenges but equips the believer with the spiritual tools, guidance, and resilience to confront them. By cultivating gratitude, contentment, relying on Allah, seeking His protection, and nurturing love for others, believers can effectively purify their hearts from the destructive blight of envy, moving closer to the ideal state of inner peace and spiritual purity that Islam aims to achieve. It is a continuous journey, not a destination reached overnight, and every moment of overcoming envy is a victory in the path of faith.