The Messenger of Allah صلى الله عليه وسلم said: “The evil eye is true. If anything could outdo the decree, it would be the evil eye.” (Muslim) He صلى الله عليه وسلم also said: “The evil eye is true. It can cause a mountain to collapse.” (Ahmad) and he صلى الله عليه وسلم said: “Most of those who die amongst my Ummah do so - after the will and decree of Allah جل جلاله - because of the evil eye.” (Bazzār)

How to Protect Oneself from Evil Eye Recite the Sunnah morning and evening Adhkār (see Ummah Welfare Trust’s Daily Adhkār book). One should also encourage their associates and also recite over children. Ibn al-Qayyim  wrote: ‘The evil eye is an arrow, shot by the one who is jealous, hitting (the victim) sometimes and missing it sometimes. So if the victim is uncovered and without the protection (of the adhkār), then he definitely will be affected by it. But if the victim is taking precaution (through the adhkār), then it will not affect him; rather it may happen that this arrow is returned back to the envier.’ Say MāshaAllah on one’s own blessings and possessions. Seek blessings from Allah جل جلاله for others (e.g. BārakaAllahu feekum/lakum/’alaykum). The Prophet صلى الله عليه وسلم said: “Whoever amongst you sees something in himself or in his possessions or in his brother that he likes, let him pray for blessings for it, because the evil eye is real.” (Hākim) To avoid dangerous envy, a believer should be kind and courteous to people. Salam should be spread, and gifts should be given to families and friends. Displaying lofty manners will dispel the jealousy of others and remove evil desires from their hearts. Conceal your good. Do not share or spread any good news about yourself except to those who rejoice at your good fortune. This may even include families and relatives since it can be those closest to you whose envy can cause you the most harm. The Messenger of Allah صلى الله عليه وسلم said: “Resort to concealing the fulfilment and success of your needs, for verily every one endowed with a blessing is envied.” (Tabarānī)

Seeking Protection for Children How to Treat the Evil Eye Since young children are unable to recite Ruqyah, parents should always recite Āyah al-Kursī and the last 3 Sūrahs of the Qur’ān and blow on them. Children are more vulnerable to the evil eye. It’s important therefore to teach them these āyāt as soon as possible and instruct them to recite and blow on themselves.

Furthermore the Messenger of Allah صلى الله عليه وسلم used to seek Allah’s protection for Hasan and Husayn by saying: The evil eye is very common. Imam Ahmad  said: ‘Very rarely will a house be found without anyone being affected by the evil eye or jealousy.’ The method of treatment is to get the used water of the one who inflicted the evil eye, and pour it over the victim. However, in many circumstances, this is difficult to do.

Therefore, one should pray Ruqyah on water (see p.4 and 5), especially the last 3 Sūrahs of the Qur’ān and bathe with it daily for 10-20 days until the symptoms disappear. (Bukhārī) Dangers of Social Media Your Shield: The last 3 Sūrahs of the Qur’ān Social media has become an integral part of today’s life. Unfortunately it has made us much more vulnerable to evil eye. We should be wary of posting pictures of ourselves, our possessions or our children on social media.

Similarly we should not wistfully gaze at the blessings of others and envy them for it. We should reflect on how using social media affects our health, family relations, spirituality and ultimately our relationship with Allah جل جلاله. The last 3 Sūrahs of the Qur’ān are the strongest protection against envy, evil eye, magic and jinn. It is Sunnah to read them three times in the morning and evening, three times before going to sleep, once after every Salāh, and when one is ill.

This shows their importance! ‘These Sūrahs are extremely effective in repelling magic, evil eye, and the rest of the evils.’ (Ibn al-Qayyim ) ‘The need for a slave to seek Allah’s protection with these Sūrahs is greater than his need for eating, drinking and clothes.’ (Ibn al-Qayyim ) How to Stop Envying Others Say MāshaAllah/BārakAllahu feek if something pleases you. Give gifts and do good to those whom you envy. Praise them when you wish to criticise. Make du‘ā’ for them even if reluctant to do so. Know how deadly envy is and how it will only return to harm you. Be content with Allah’s decree.