(Envy: A Worldly Evil).
Envy is one of the worldly evils about which the Almighty warns us in the Quran: “Say, I seek refuge in Allah from the evil of the envier when he envies.” This means that only God can protect us from the harm of an envious person. Therefore, one must continuously seek God’s refuge. Envy and backbiting are akin to grave diseases, and it is wise to avoid individuals afflicted by such destructive traits.
Envy is a life-threatening ailment that often arises from ignorance. Hazrat Pir Kamil Nasir Khusraw, may Allah sanctify his soul, stated about ignorance: “The tongue in the mouth of an ignorant person is like a snake; you must protect yourself from this harmful snake.” His wisdom emphasizes the dangers of ignorance and envy.
To recognize envy is crucial because identifying evil is necessary to avoid it. Envious people often criticize you and your achievements without reason, trying to belittle your successes to feel superior. They might attempt to downplay the significance of your accomplishments or even mimic you in an effort to compete or achieve a similar sense of success.
Such individuals may spread false or negative stories about you to harm your reputation. Envy often manifests through sarcastic comments, half-hearted praise, or indifference. These individuals constantly strive to outdo you, even in trivial matters, to prove their superiority. They keep a close watch on your personal and professional life, seeking flaws to exploit and criticize.
An envious person will rarely support you during important moments. Instead, they may distance themselves or minimize interaction with you. Your success reminds them of their perceived failures, which fuels their resentment.
It is vital to recognize these signs and distance yourself from such toxic individuals. Envy creates a poisonous environment that can hinder your growth and damage your spiritual and intellectual insight.
Wisdom lies in maintaining distance from envious people and surrounding yourself with positive, supportive individuals who celebrate your achievements and encourage you. By fostering positive thoughts and actions, you can lead a fulfilling and enlightened life.
(ان الله خبير بما تعملون)
(Indeed, khudawand e kareem is aware of all that you do.)
Alyas Nasiri.
March 25, 2025.
