Is envy a sin in Islam? Envy (hasad) is more than a feeling; it reflects objection to Allah’s will and harms both hearts and society. In this article, we explore its meaning, levels, and how to protect yourself from it using authentic Islamic guidance.
Envy Meaning in Islam
Envy (Hasad) is the desire for someone else’s blessings to be taken away. It is one of the blameworthy traits that Islam prohibits. Allah commands us to seek protection from it, as mentioned in the verse:
“وَمِن شَرِّ حَاسِدٍ إِذَا حَسَدَ ٥”
“and from the evil of an envier when they envy.”
(Al-Falaq 113:5)
The Prophet Muhammad ﷺ also warned us against envy, describing it as a harmful and disgraceful trait. In a hadith, he said:
“قَالَ رَسُولُ اَللَّهِ - صلى الله عليه وسلم -” لَا تَحَاسَدُوا وَلَا تَنَاجَشُوا, وَلَا تَبَاغَضُوا
“Abu Hurairah [RAA] narrated that the Messenger of Allah (ﷺ) said:
Avoid jealousy between yourselves, do not outbid one another (with a view to raising the price), do not harbor hatred against one another.”
Now that we’ve covered the envy meaning in Islam, let’s move on to its levels and how to protect ourselves from it.
What Are the Levels of Envy?
Before answering, is envy a sin in Islam? We must understand its different levels. Envy has several degrees:
- Wishing for someone’s blessing to be removed, even without gaining it: This is the most severe form. The envier wants the blessing to be gone from the other person, even if they don’t benefit from it.
- Wishing for the blessing to be taken from someone and transferred to oneself: Here, the envier wants both the removal of the blessing from the other person and to gain it themselves.
- Wishing for a similar blessing without wanting it to be taken away: In this case, the person desires something similar, and if they can’t get it, they may wish the other loses it.
- Wishing for a similar blessing without wishing for its removal: This is the mildest form. The person simply wants the same blessing without any harm to the other.
What Does the Quran say about envy?
Several verses in the Quran speak about envy, including:
“أَمْ يَحْسُدُونَ ٱلنَّاسَ عَلَىٰ مَآ ءَاتَىٰهُمُ ٱللَّهُ مِن فَضْلِهِۦ ۖ”
“Or do they envy the people for Allah’s bounties? Indeed,”
(An-Nisa 4:54)
And:
“وَإِن يَكَادُ ٱلَّذِينَ كَفَرُوا۟ لَيُزْلِقُونَكَ بِأَبْصَـٰرِهِمْ لَمَّا سَمِعُوا۟ ٱلذِّكْرَ وَيَقُولُونَ إِنَّهُۥ لَمَجْنُونٌۭ ٥١”
“The disbelievers would almost cut you down with their eyes when they hear ˹you recite˺ the Reminder, and say, “He is certainly a madman.”
(Al-Qalam 68:51)
Also:
“وَدَّ كَثِيرٌۭ مِّنْ أَهْلِ ٱلْكِتَـٰبِ لَوْ يَرُدُّونَكُم مِّنۢ بَعْدِ إِيمَـٰنِكُمْ كُفَّارًا حَسَدًۭا مِّنْ عِندِ أَنفُسِهِم مِّنۢ بَعْدِ مَا تَبَيَّنَ لَهُمُ ٱلْحَقُّ ۖ…”
“Many among the People of the Book wish they could turn you ˹believers˺ back to disbelief because of their envy, after the truth has been made clear to them….”
(Al-Baqarah 2:10)
Is Envy A sin in Islam?
Shaykh Ibn Uthaymeen said that envy is a major sin and will not be forgiven unless the person sincerely repents.
He stated that envy is a major sin for several reasons:
- It reflects objection to Allah’s decree and distribution. The envier dislikes that Allah has granted someone else a blessing. This is why Allah said:
“أَمْ يَحْسُدُونَ ٱلنَّاسَ عَلَىٰ مَآ ءَاتَىٰهُمُ ٱللَّهُ مِن فَضْلِهِۦ ۖ”
“Or do they envy the people for Allah’s bounties? Indeed,”
(An-Nisa 4:54)
- It creates hatred and hostility among people.
- It is similar to the behavior of the Jews, as the Prophet ﷺ described.
What is the difference between jealousy and envy in Islam?
Many people confuse the difference between jealousy and envy in Islam. The following table simplifies the difference:
| Differences | Jealousy | Envy |
| Definition | A natural feeling of wanting to protect what one has (e.g., wealth, status). | Wanting a blessing to be removed from someone, even without gaining it. |
| Ruling in Islam | Praiseworthy when within limits, such as a man’s jealousy over his wife. | Forbidden in Islam, as it reflects bad thoughts about Allah. |
| Example | Students feeling jealous of high achievers in class. | Someone wishing another person loses their money or knowledge. |
How to Avoid Envy in Islam?
Many people ask how to avoid envy in isIslam,nd the religion gives us clear methods to protect ourselves:
- Regularly recite morning and evening azkar: These include several supplications that protect a Muslim from all harm and are a powerful shield against envy.
- Reciting Ayat Al-Kursi: This is one of the greatest verses in the Quran. It is among the strongest protections against the evil eye and envy. It is best read after each prayer, and in the morning and evening.
- Reciting Al-Mauzatain (Al-Falaq and An-Nas): The Prophet ﷺ encouraged us to recite Al-Mauzatain Al-Falaq and Surah An-Nas — to protect ourselves from envy. These two surahs are part of the Ruqyah Shariyah (Islamic healing) used to treat and shield against the effects of envy.
- Performing Ruqyah regularly: This is one of the most effective spiritual means to protect oneself and loved ones from envy. It can be read for yourself or for others.
- Hiding blessings: It is also recommended to conceal your blessings from those who may envy you and avoid flaunting them.
- Relying on Allah and seeking His help: We must trust that Allah is the ultimate protector and that whatever He wills happens. As Allah says:
“وَإِن يَمْسَسْكَ ٱللَّهُ بِضُرٍّۢ فَلَا كَاشِفَ لَهُۥٓ إِلَّا هُوَ ۖ وَإِن يَمْسَسْكَ بِخَيْرٍۢ فَهُوَ عَلَىٰ كُلِّ شَىْءٍۢ قَدِيرٌۭ ١٧”
“If Allah touches you with harm, none can undo it except Him. And if He touches you with a blessing, He is Most Capable of everything.”
Conclusion
After exploring the Islamic definition of envy, its levels, and the evidence of its prohibition in the Quran and Sunnah, the answer to Is envy a sin in Islam? becomes clear: Yes, envy is one of the major sins because it reflects discontent with Allah’s decree and spreads hatred among people.
To protect ourselves and our families, we should follow the Islamic practices of spiritual protection such as adhkar, ruqyah, hiding blessings, and trusting in Allah.
Envy is a disease of the heart, and its cure begins with knowledge and purification of the soul.
At Rahiq Academy, we offer interactive Islamic courses that help you understand your religion deeply and cleanse your heart from its ailments.
If you’re seeking a purer heart and a deeper connection with Islam, your place is with us at Rahiq.
