Hasad (Jealousy) in Islam: Understanding Its Effects and the Role of Ruqyah

Hasad (حسد), commonly translated as jealousy or envy, is an important concept in Islam. It refers to wishing for a blessing that Allah has given another person to be removed or taken away.

Hasad can relate to a person's health, wealth, family, success, knowledge, appearance, or other blessings. Islam teaches believers to seek refuge in Allah from the harm of envy.

For someone experiencing difficulties they believe may be connected to Hasad or the evil eye, Ruqyah Shar'iyyah—Qur'anic recitation and authentic supplications based on the Qur'an and Sunnah—can be a means of seeking Allah's protection and healing.

What Is Hasad?

Hasad is more than simply noticing or admiring something another person has. It involves an unhealthy desire for another person's blessing to disappear.

Allah says:

"And from the evil of an envier when he envies."

Surah Al-Falaq · 113:5

This verse is part of Surah Al-Falaq, which Muslims recite when seeking Allah's protection from different forms of harm.

Hasad and the Evil Eye: Are They the Same?

Hasad and the evil eye (Al-'Ayn) are related concepts, but they are not necessarily the same.

Hasad involves envy and wishing for the loss of another person's blessing, while the evil eye refers to harm associated with a person's gaze or admiration, by Allah's permission.

Because these matters concern the unseen, we should avoid automatically assuming that every illness, difficulty, or unexplained problem is caused by Hasad or the evil eye.

Medical, psychological, environmental, and other possible causes should also be considered.

Possible Signs People Associate With Hasad

Some people experiencing unexplained physical, emotional, or personal difficulties may wonder whether Hasad or the evil eye is involved.

These experiences may include:

• Persistent distress or discomfort• Unusual changes in mood or behavior• Difficulties that appear without an obvious explanation• Ongoing feelings of uneasiness or distress• Problems that seem to occur unexpectedly

However, these experiences do not prove that a person has been affected by Hasad.

Many of these symptoms can have medical, psychological, environmental, or personal causes. Ruqyah should therefore not replace appropriate medical or professional care.

How Can Ruqyah Be Used for Hasad?

Ruqyah Shar'iyyah is a form of Islamic spiritual treatment that involves seeking healing and protection from Allah through Qur'anic recitation, authentic supplications, and permissible means.

Commonly recited passages include:

• Surah Al-Fatihah

• Ayat al-Kursi — Surah Al-Baqarah 2:255

• The final two verses of Surah Al-Baqarah

• Surah Al-Ikhlas

• Surah Al-Falaq

• Surah An-Nas

Surah Al-Falaq and Surah An-Nas are particularly important in seeking refuge in Allah from various forms of harm.

Self-Ruqyah for Hasad

A person does not necessarily need to depend on another individual to perform Ruqyah.

Self-Ruqyah can involve reciting Qur'anic verses, making authentic du'a, and sincerely asking Allah for protection and healing.

A Muslim should place their trust in Allah while using permissible means of seeking protection and healing.

Seeking a Ruqyah Practitioner

If you choose to seek assistance from a Ruqyah practitioner, it is important to choose someone who follows the Qur'an and authentic Sunnah.

Be cautious of anyone who uses:

• Talismans or charms• Unknown symbols or writings• Fortune-telling or divination• Unexplained rituals• Practices that contradict Islamic teachings• Claims of knowing unseen matters

Authentic Ruqyah should be based upon legitimate Islamic principles and should not involve practices that contradict Tawheed.

Protecting Yourself From Hasad

Islam encourages believers to seek Allah's protection through regular worship and authentic adhkar.

You can strengthen your spiritual protection by:

• Maintaining the five daily prayers

• Reciting the Qur'an regularly

• Performing morning and evening adhkar

• Reciting Surah Al-Ikhlas, Al-Falaq, and An-Nas

• Making authentic supplications for protection

• Maintaining trust and reliance upon Allah

At the same time, avoid excessive suspicion toward family members, friends, or other people.

Experiencing a difficulty does not prove that a particular person caused it through Hasad.

What Should You Do If You Suspect Hasad?

If you believe you may be affected by Hasad, consider the following:

1. Turn to Allah

Strengthen your connection with Allah through Salah, Qur'an, Dhikr, and Du'a.

2. Practice Self-Ruqyah

Recite appropriate Qur'anic verses and authentic supplications while seeking Allah's protection and healing.

3. Continue Appropriate Medical Care

Do not abandon medical or psychological care because you suspect a spiritual cause.

4. Seek Qualified Help When Needed

If you seek a Ruqyah practitioner, choose someone who follows the Qur'an and authentic Sunnah.

5. Avoid Unfounded Accusations

Do not accuse another person of causing Hasad without reliable evidence.

Ruqyah Is a Means, and Healing Is From Allah

Ruqyah is a permissible means of seeking Allah's protection and healing. It is not an independent source of power.

A Muslim places their trust in Allah alone while taking appropriate and permissible means.

If you are experiencing difficulties that you believe may be connected to Hasad, the evil eye, or another spiritual concern, approach the matter with sound Islamic knowledge, patience, and balanced judgment.

May Allah protect us from the harm of Hasad and the evil eye, grant us healing and well-being, and strengthen our reliance upon Him.