Have you ever felt a sudden, inexplicable feeling of unease or misfortune? It might be a sign of the evil eye. Islam has explained evil and its effects many times through the Quran and Hadith. The evil eye is called Al-Ayn in Arabic. It means the harm or pain a person can cause another person through their gaze or evil thoughts. But Islam has already taught us how we can protect ourselves from the evil eye of the people.

What is the Evil Eye?

The evil eye is a form of harm that results from envy. It happens when someone looks at another person, their possessions, or their blessings with jealousy or ill will. This gaze, often unintentional, can bring misfortune to the other person. When someone sees something they might not have, they may feel jealous, leading to negativity that impacts the victim. Even if the person does not mean any damage, the evil eye will appear as a result of jealousy or envy and frequent glancing. In Islam, reciting Surah Al-Falaq and Surah An-Nas regularly, praying to Allah for protection, and not showing off your benefits are all ways to ward off the evil eye. The Prophet Muhammad (PBUH) said: “The evil eye is real, and if anything were to overtake the divine decree, it would be the evil eye.” (Sahih Muslim, 2188) This hadith confirms the reality of the evil eye and its potential to cause harm.

The Quran About Evil Eye

The teachings of the Holy Quran have mentioned the evil eye and have reminded us several times to seek Allah’s protection from the evil eye. Allah says: “And from the evil of an envier when he envies.” (Surah Al-Falaq, 113:5)   This verse reminds us to seek Allah’s protection from the harm of envy and those who harbor it. Another important verse is: “Indeed, those who disbelieve almost make you slip with their eyes out of jealousy…” (Surah Al-Qalam, 68:51) This verse highlights how the gaze of jealousy can be harmful, emphasizing the reality of the evil eye.

How Does the Evil Eye Work?

The evil eye works through the negative energy of envy or jealousy. For example: A person buys a new car and takes it out. Some people might dislike seeing him in the car or feel jealous when they see him enjoying time with his family and friends in it. These envious thoughts can be harmful to the person being envied. Such individuals often avoid using words like MashaAllah or TabarakAllah out of jealousy because they know these words would protect the other person from harm. The Holy Prophet (PBUH) has taught us to use these words when we see the other person happy or blessed.
“When one of you sees something in his brother (that he likes), let him pray for blessings for him.” (Sunan Ibn Majah, 3509)

Signs of the Evil Eye

The evil eye can manifest in several ways, including:
  • Sudden illnesses without a clear medical cause.
  • Unexplained bad luck or loss.
  • Anxiety or a sense of heaviness in life.
However, it’s important to rule out natural causes before assuming the evil eye.

Protection from the Evil Eye

Islam provides us with many ways to protect ourselves and our loved ones from the evil eye.

1. Reciting the Quran

The Quran is the ultimate protection. Recite Surah Al-Falaq and Surah An-Nas daily, as they were revealed to seek protection from harm. The Prophet (PBUH) said:
“Recite Surah Al-Falaq and Surah An-Nas three times in the morning and evening for protection.” (Abu Dawood, 5082)

2. Saying Dhikr

Regularly recite dhikr (remembrance of Allah), such as:
“Bismillahilladhi la yadurru ma’asmihi shay’un fil-ardi wa la fissama’i wa huwas-Sami’ul-‘Aleem.” (In the name of Allah, with Whose name nothing in the heavens or earth can harm.) The Prophet (PBUH) guaranteed protection for those who say this in the morning and evening. (Tirmidhi, 3388)

3. Praying for Barakah

When admiring someone’s blessings, say: “BarakAllahu laka” (May Allah bless it for you). This ensures your admiration does not cause harm to anyone.

What to Do If Affected by the Evil Eye

If someone is affected by the evil eye, Islam offers different solutions for it.

1. Ruqyah (Spiritual Healing)

Ruqyah involves reciting specific Quranic verses and supplications for healing. Some powerful verses include:
  • Ayat-ul-Kursi (Surah Al-Baqarah, 2:255)
  • Last two verses of Surah Al-Baqarah (2:285-286)
The Prophet (PBUH) himself performed Ruqyah and encouraged its use.

2.Using Water

The Prophet (PBUH) advised using water to cure the effects of the evil eye. He said:
“If you are asked to take a bath (to cure someone), do so.” (Sahih Muslim, 2188)

The Role of Intentions

The evil eye often occurs unintentionally. It’s a reminder to purify our hearts and avoid envy. Be grateful for your blessings, and always wish well for others. The Prophet (PBUH) said: “None of you truly believes until he loves for his brother what he loves for himself.” (Sahih Bukhari, 13)

Duas for Protection from Evil Eye

Many duas are mentioned in the Holy Quran to protect ourselves from the evil eye. A few of them are mentioned below:
  • Allaahumma ‘innaa naj’aluka fee nuhoorihim wa na’oothu bika min shuroorihim. (O Allah, we ask you to restrain them by their necks and we seek refuge in You from their evil.) (Abu Dawood)
  • Wa iyakadul lazeena kafaru la uzlikoonaka bi absaarihim lamma samiuz zikra wa yakhuluna innahu la majnoon wama hua illa zikrul lil a alameen. (Surah Al-Qalam, 68:51-52) “And verily, those who disbelieve would almost make you slip with their eyes when they hear the Reminder (the Quran), and they say, Verily, he is insane.’ But it is nothing else than a Reminder to the world.”
  • A’oodhu bi kalimaat-illaahit taammati min kulli shaytaanin wa haammatin wa min kulli ‘aynin laammah. (I seek refuge in the perfect words of Allah from every devil and poisonous reptile, and from every envious evil eye.) (Bukhari, 3191)

Teaching Children About the Evil Eye

Children should learn the importance of praising Allah and seeking protection. Teach them to say:
  • “MashaAllah” when admiring something.
  • Recite Surah Al-Falaq and Surah An-Nas daily.
Make it a family habit to recite these surahs together before bed.

Conclusion

The evil eye is real, but Allah has provided us with guidance and protection. By reciting the Quran, making dhikr, and praying for blessings, we can shield ourselves from harm. Remember, envy is a disease of the heart. Strive to replace jealousy with gratitude and prayer for others. Seek Allah’s protection regularly and trust that He is the best guardian. As Allah says:
“And sufficient is your Lord as a Guardian.” (Surah Al-Isra, 17:65)