“Indeed, Allah does not look at your appearance or your wealth, but He looks at your hearts and your deeds.” — Prophet Muhammad (SAW)– Ṣaḥīḥ Muslim
In today’s fast-paced world, people are more connected than ever before, yet many have never felt more dissatisfied with their own lives. A few minutes on social media expose us to carefully curated images of success, luxury, academic achievements, flourishing careers, and seemingly perfect families. While these platforms have revolutionized communication, they have also intensified comparison. Instead of counting their own blessings, many people unconsciously measure their happiness against the accomplishments of others. The result is often frustration, anxiety, and a silent emotional struggle that Islam identified more than fourteen centuries ago as hasad—envy. Unlike ordinary disappointment, hasad is a disease of the heart. It is the feeling of resentment when another person enjoys a blessing and the desire that this blessing should disappear. Whether the blessing is wealth, knowledge, beauty, influence, health, or success, the envious heart finds it difficult to rejoice in another person’s happiness. Rather than inspiring self-improvement, another person’s success becomes a source of inner pain. Consequently, envy harms the person who harbours it long before it harms anyone else. Islam places great emphasis on the purification of the heart because every action begins with an intention rooted within it. The Prophet Muhammad (PBUH) said, “There is a piece of flesh in the body; if it is sound, the whole body is sound, and if it is corrupt, the whole body is corrupt. Indeed, it is the heart.” (Ṣaḥīḥ al-Bukhārī and Ṣaḥīḥ Muslim). This profound teaching reminds believers that spiritual diseases are often more dangerous than physical illnesses.
A physical illness affects the body, whereas diseases such as envy, arrogance, hatred, and greed gradually erode faith, relationships, and moral character. The story of envy begins long before modern society. According to the Qur’an, one of the earliest manifestations of envy appeared when Allah commanded the angels to prostrate before Prophet Ādam (peace be upon him). Iblīs refused, claiming superiority because he had been created from fire while Ādam was created from clay. His arrogance and resentment led to disobedience, making him an enduring example of how pride and envy can distance a creature from the mercy of Allah. This story demonstrates that envy is not simply an emotion; it is a moral choice that can lead to rebellion against divine wisdom. Human history records another tragic example in the story of the two sons of Ādam. When Allah accepted the sacrifice of Hābīl and rejected that of Qābīl, jealousy consumed the latter. Instead of correcting himself and seeking Allah’s pleasure, Qābīl chose violence, becoming the first person to commit murder. The Qur’an presents this episode as a timeless warning that unchecked envy can escalate from an internal feeling into destructive actions affecting families and entire societies. The Qur’an also recounts the story of Prophet Yūsuf (peace be upon him), whose brothers became jealous because of the love shown to him by their father. Their envy blinded them to justice, leading them to throw their innocent brother into a well and deceive their father.
Years later, they recognized their mistake and sought forgiveness, illustrating that envy not only harms its victim but also leaves deep regret in the hearts of those who succumb to it. These narratives are not merely historical accounts; they are mirrors reflecting challenges that continue to confront humanity. The Prophet (PBUH) encouraged believers to emulate those who use their wealth in charity and those who dedicate their knowledge to teaching and guiding others. Such healthy competition inspires growth and excellence without poisoning the heart. In contemporary society, however, envy often flourishes because people compare their private struggles with the public successes of others. Social media rarely reflects the complete reality of human life. Behind smiling photographs may lie anxiety, financial difficulties, illness, or family challenges that remain hidden from public view. Islam therefore teaches believers to judge success according to the standards of Allah rather than the standards of public recognition. Wealth, popularity, and influence are temporary trusts, not measures of true worth. The causes of envy are varied but interconnected. At the spiritual level, envy often reflects weakness in faith and trust in Allah’s wisdom. A believer who truly understands that Allah distributes provisions according to His perfect knowledge recognizes that every blessing carries its own responsibilities and every trial carries its own wisdom.
Dissatisfaction with another person’s blessings may therefore indicate dissatisfaction with Allah’s decree, a dangerous attitude that undermines spiritual contentment. Psychologically, envy frequently arises from insecurity and low self-esteem. Individuals who derive their sense of worth solely from worldly achievements become vulnerable whenever someone else appears more successful. Instead of appreciating their own unique abilities, they become preoccupied with what they lack. Such constant comparison gradually destroys inner peace because there will always be someone wealthier, more knowledgeable, or more influential. Materialism also fuels envy. Modern advertising often suggests that happiness depends upon acquiring more possessions than others. Success becomes defined by luxury homes, expensive vehicles, prestigious careers, and social status. This relentless pursuit of outward success leaves little room for gratitude. Islam challenges this mindset by teaching that genuine richness lies not in abundance of possessions but in richness of the soul. A heart satisfied with Allah’s blessings remains peaceful even in modest circumstances. Another significant cause of envy is the absence of gratitude. The Qur’an repeatedly reminds believers to be thankful for Allah’s countless favours. Gratitude shifts attention from what is absent to what is already present. A grateful person recognizes health, family, faith, knowledge, opportunities, and daily sustenance as priceless gifts.
When gratitude becomes a habit, envy loses much of its power because the heart learns to appreciate divine generosity rather than dwell on perceived deprivation. Envy is not confined to strangers. It sometimes appears among relatives, neighbours, colleagues, classmates, and even close friends. Professional jealousy may emerge when a colleague receives recognition. Academic rivalry may lead students to resent one another’s achievements. Businesses may view competitors with hostility rather than healthy respect. Even acts of worship can become corrupted when individuals seek admiration instead of Allah’s pleasure. Islam therefore calls believers to constantly examine their intentions and purify their hearts from hidden resentment. Recognizing envy is the first step toward overcoming it. The second is remembering that every blessing belongs ultimately to Allah, who grants and withholds according to His infinite wisdom. The believer’s task is not to question divine distribution but to make the best use of whatever has been entrusted to them. When this perspective takes root, another person’s success becomes an inspiration rather than a source of bitterness, and the heart begins to experience the tranquility that comes from sincere faith and contentment. The consequences of envy extend far beyond momentary feelings of dissatisfaction. Once allowed to settle in the heart, it gradually influences thoughts, words, and actions, often without the individual realizing its destructive effects.
Islam therefore treats hasad not merely as an emotional weakness but as a moral and spiritual illness requiring conscious treatment. Like a disease that spreads silently through the body, envy corrupts the character from within until its effects become visible in personal relationships, family life, and society at large. The first victim of envy is always the envious person. Constantly comparing oneself with others creates an endless cycle of frustration because there will always be someone who appears wealthier, more successful, more knowledgeable, or more influential. Instead of experiencing peace, the envious heart becomes occupied with resentment. Every achievement of another person becomes a fresh source of discomfort. Such a person finds little joy in his or her own blessings because attention is fixed on what others possess. Islam teaches that true happiness is impossible for a heart trapped in perpetual comparison. Spiritually, the consequences are even more serious.
“Envy (hasad) is a universal affliction, but Islam provides a cure through faith, gratitude, contentment, and self-purification. Cleansing the heart frees individuals from constant comparison and competition, fostering inner peace and genuine joy for others’ blessings. True wealth lies not in material possessions, but in a heart grounded in faith, gratitude, and goodwill toward others.”
Envy weakens trust in Allah’s wisdom and distribution of blessings. Every provision—wealth, health, intelligence, honour, and opportunity—is granted according to Allah’s perfect knowledge. When a believer resents another person’s blessings, there is a danger of forgetting that Allah alone is the Giver. The Qur’an repeatedly reminds believers that He enlarges or restricts provision according to His wisdom. Accepting this reality nurtures humility, while resisting it breeds dissatisfaction and unrest. Envy also damages social relationships. Friendships built over many years can weaken when one person begins to resent another’s success. Families may become divided over inheritance, recognition, or differing levels of prosperity. In workplaces, jealousy can discourage cooperation, leading to gossip, backbiting, and unfair competition. Communities lose their unity when individuals seek to diminish others instead of encouraging them. The Prophet Muhammad (PBUH) warned believers against hatred, envy, and severing relationships, urging them instead to live as brothers and sisters united by faith and mutual goodwill. History offers numerous examples of how envy has shaped human behaviour. The brothers of Prophet Yūsuf (peace be upon him) allowed jealousy to cloud their judgment, believing that removing their brother would restore their father’s affection. Their actions caused years of grief for their family before they eventually repented. Their story demonstrates that envy rarely solves the problem imagined by the envious; instead, it creates new suffering and lasting regret. Likewise, Iblīs lost his honour not because of a lack of ability but because he refused to accept Allah’s command with humility. These narratives remind believers that arrogance and envy often travel together.
In the modern world, envy has assumed new forms. Digital technology has made comparison almost unavoidable. People frequently evaluate their own lives against edited snapshots of others’ achievements, unaware that social media often presents only carefully selected moments. The result is a culture in which many feel inadequate despite enjoying countless blessings. Islam encourages believers to free themselves from this unhealthy cycle by focusing on gratitude rather than comparison and by remembering that worldly appearances never reveal the complete reality of a person’s life. The Islamic cure for envy begins with strengthening one’s relationship with Allah. A heart firmly rooted in faith recognizes that every blessing is both a gift and a responsibility. Wealth must be earned lawfully and spent responsibly; knowledge must be used to benefit others; influence must be exercised with justice. Understanding this transforms envy into reflection. Instead of asking why another person possesses a blessing, the believer asks how to fulfil his or her own responsibilities before Allah. Gratitude (shukr) is among the most powerful remedies for envy. The Qur’an promises that gratitude brings increase, not only in material blessings but also in spiritual contentment. A grateful believer develops the habit of recognising Allah’s favours in everyday life—health, faith, family, opportunities to learn, sincere friendships, and the ability to worship. As gratitude grows, resentment gradually fades because the heart becomes occupied with appreciation rather than comparison.
Another essential remedy is qanāʿah, or contentment. Contentment does not mean abandoning ambition or refusing to work for improvement. Islam encourages excellence in education, business, and service to society. However, ambition should never come at the expense of inner peace or moral integrity. A contented person strives diligently while accepting that the final outcome rests with Allah. This balance protects the heart from despair when ambitions are delayed and from arrogance when success is achieved. The Prophet Muhammad (PBUH) also taught believers to pray for those whom they might otherwise envy. This practice transforms negative emotion into sincere goodwill. Supplicating for another person’s continued blessings softens the heart and weakens resentment. It reminds believers that Allah’s mercy is unlimited and that one person’s success never diminishes another’s opportunities. In Islam, blessings are not finite possessions over which people must compete; rather, Allah’s generosity encompasses all of creation. Remembering Allah through regular dhikr further protects the heart. Daily recitation of the Qur’an, morning and evening supplications, and consistent remembrance help believers maintain awareness of Allah’s presence. Such remembrance shifts attention away from worldly comparisons and toward eternal success. A heart occupied with the remembrance of Allah has little room for resentment because it draws its strength from a source greater than material achievement. The company one keeps also influences the state of the heart. Associating with people who constantly boast about wealth, status, or possessions may encourage unhealthy comparison. By contrast, companionship with humble, grateful, and righteous individuals nurtures contentment and sincerity.
The Prophet (PBUH) advised believers to look toward those who possess less in worldly matters, as this helps one appreciate Allah’s blessings rather than underestimate them. Ultimately, the opposite of envy is not poverty or lack of ambition; it is love for others, gratitude to Allah, and confidence in His perfect justice. A believer who celebrates another person’s success while striving honourably for personal growth embodies the spirit of Islamic brotherhood. Such a person understands that the greatest achievements are not measured by wealth or recognition but by purity of heart, noble character, and closeness to Allah. As the world becomes increasingly competitive and driven by outward appearances, the timeless teachings of Islam remain profoundly relevant. They remind us that genuine success begins within. A heart cleansed of envy becomes capable of compassion instead of resentment, cooperation instead of rivalry, and gratitude instead of complaint. It finds peace not because life is free of challenges but because it trusts the wisdom of the One who controls all affairs. The silent poison of envy can affect anyone, regardless of age, education, or social standing. Yet Islam offers hope alongside its warning. Through sincere faith, gratitude, contentment, remembrance of Allah, and continuous self-purification, the disease of hasad can be overcome. The believer who strives to cleanse the heart discovers a freedom that no material possession can provide—the freedom to rejoice in the blessings of others, to appreciate one’s own gifts, and to live with the inner peace that comes from complete trust in Allah. In a society increasingly shaped by comparison and competition, this timeless Islamic message deserves renewed attention. It reminds us that the richest person is not the one who owns the most, but the one whose heart is free from envy and filled with faith, gratitude, and sincere concern for the well-being of others.
(The authors write regularly on Islamic Topics exclusively for the opinion pages of “Kashmir Horizon”. The views, opinions and conclusions expressed in this article are those of the authors and aren’t necessarily in accord with the views of “Kashmir Horizon”)
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