How can a Muslim differentiate between calamities resulting from envy and other calamities, especially when faced with a succession of unexplained events such as accidents, illnesses, and incomplete endeavors? Is there a scientific way to discern this and treat envy without knowing the envier?
To differentiate between envy and other ailments, the symptoms of the evil eye are known to be organic illnesses that do not respond to medical treatment, such as joint pain, lethargy, insomnia, the appearance of skin ulcers, and an aversion to family and society, in addition to paleness and chest tightness. As for the symptoms of envy, they appear on wealth, body, and children, and include psychological illnesses such as aversion to study or work, introversion, and isolation. Envy and the evil eye are treated with ruqyah (Islamic incantation), such as reciting Surat Al-Fatihah, Ayatul-Kursi, and Al-Mu'awwidhatayn (the two protective surahs), and some prophetic supplications. If the person who cast the evil eye is known, they are commanded to perform ghusl (ritual washing) for the afflicted person to be cured.
Summarized from the full answer at Ftawy · reviewed Sep 2, 2026
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