What is the ruling on constantly thinking about what people say and going to great lengths to please them, for fear of being accused of envy when calamities befall others?

It is best to stop thinking about what others possess, as this leads to envy (hasad), which is the root of the evil eye ('ayn). The pure Sharia has prohibited envy due to its severe harms to the one who harbors it. The Messenger of Allah, peace and blessings be upon him, said: "Do not hate one another, do not envy one another, do not turn away from one another, do not boycott one another, and be, O servants of Allah, brothers." And he said: "Beware of envy, for envy consumes good deeds just as fire consumes wood." Also, one should not harm oneself to please others, nor imagine that people will think you are envious of them, as these are whisperings (wasawis) that must be dispelled.