Ayaat for Protection from Envy and the Evil Eye
Part 5 of “The Regimen: Ruqyah with the Qur’an and Sunnah”
Compiled by Dalia Elamawy
Introduction
The Prophet ﷺ warned us that envy (ḥasad) and the evil eye (‘ayn) are real and can cause tangible harm — but that Allah has provided us the means of protection through His revealed words.
These verses uncover the roots of envy, teach us how to respond to it, and strengthen our spiritual immunity through remembrance and forgiveness.
Surat al-Baqarah (البقرة) 109
Many of the People of the Scripture wish they could turn you back to disbelief after you have believed, out of envy from themselves — even after the truth has become clear to them.
So pardon and overlook until Allah delivers His command. Indeed, Allah is over all things competent.
Reflection
When others envy us, the Qur’an calls us not to retaliate but to rise above — to pardon and overlook.
Patience and trust in Allah’s decree become our shield, while resentment only feeds the harm we seek to repel.
Surat an-Nisā’ (النساء) 54
Or do they envy people for what Allah has given them of His bounty?
But We had already given the family of Abraham the Scripture and wisdom and conferred upon them a great kingdom.
Reflection
Envy stems from forgetting that every gift is distributed by Allah.
Just as Allah chose to bless the family of Ibrāhīm (‘alayhi as-salām) with Scripture, wisdom, and dominion, He grants each soul according to His divine wisdom.
Surat al-Kahf (الكهف) 39
And why did you, when you entered your garden, not say:
“What Allah willed [has occurred]; there is no power except in Allah”?
Although you see me less than you in wealth and children…
Reflection
This ayah reveals the antidote to envy: attributing every blessing to Allah.
The phrase مَا شَاءَ اللَّهُ لَا قُوَّةَ إِلَّا بِاللَّهِ (“What Allah willed; there is no power except with Allah”) is both a statement of humility and a powerful shield from ‘ayn.
Surat al-Qalam (القلم) 51
And indeed, those who disbelieve would almost make you slip with their eyes when they hear the message, and they say, “Indeed, he is mad.”
Reflection
This ayah points directly to the phenomenon of ‘ayn (evil eye).
Even the Prophet ﷺ was not exempt from people’s envious stares — yet Allah protected him.
By reciting and reflecting upon this verse, the believer reaffirms that protection from envy lies in Allah’s safeguarding alone.
How to Use These Ayaat for Ruqyah
Recite these verses while consciously reflecting on Allah’s power over human jealousy.
They are especially effective when combined with adhkaar such as Bismillah arqeek and the Mu‘awidhatayn (Surat al-Falaq and Surat an-Nās), which will appear later in this series.
Final Reflection
The one who recites these verses acknowledges that envy and the evil eye cannot pierce the heart that rests in Allah’s protection.
Forgiveness, humility, and remembrance extinguish the flames of ḥasad, while recitation of these ayaat fortifies the believer’s spiritual armor.
Next in the series:
“Ayat for Protection from Sihr (Magic)” — ayaat that dismantle false sorcery and reveal the supremacy of Allah’s command over all harm.