What is the ruling on avoiding an envious friend who rejoices in your misfortunes and grieves at your joys? Do I bear sin for that? And what is the ruling on avoiding relatives from whom envy is perceived, and limiting interaction to phone calls and visiting them on special occasions? Is that considered cutting off family ties?

It is forbidden to abandon a Muslim for more than three days, unless there is a legitimate Sharia reason. Abandonment is permissible if speaking to the person causes religious or worldly harm. Reducing contact is not considered forbidden abandonment if the Muslim greets and speaks to those he meets. It is legislated for a Muslim to conceal what he fears envy over. Jacob commanded his son Joseph to conceal his dream, and one seeks assistance in fulfilling needs through concealment, for indeed, every possessor of a blessing is envied. However, if there is no fear of anything, it is good to speak about Allah's blessings thankfully, without boasting, in accordance with the verse: "But as for the favor of your Lord, report [it]."