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Is speech that expresses envy—without the intention of envy or causing the evil eye—considered envy?

1 min readAlso available in العربية

The evil eye affects the one upon whom it falls, even if the beholder does not intend envy, but merely looks with admiration without mentioning Allah or supplicating for blessings. Thus, a person can afflict those they love with the evil eye, and even afflict themselves. The Prophet, peace and blessings be upon him, said: "If any of you sees something admirable in his brother, he should supplicate for blessings for him." A Muslim must restrain their tongue from idle talk and consistently supplicate for blessings and say: "Masha'Allah, la quwwata illa billah (What Allah wills, there is no power except with Allah)" upon seeing something admirable or a blessing, to avoid harming others. Ibn al-Qayyim said: "If the beholder fears the harm of his eye and its affliction upon the beheld, then he should repel its evil by saying: 'Allahumma barik alayh (O Allah, bless him).'" Among what repels the affliction of the evil eye is saying: "Masha'Allah, la quwwata illa billah."

Summarized from the full answer at Ftawy · reviewed Sep 2, 2026

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