Signs of the Envious Person: How to Recognize Envy and Protect Yourself

 

Envy is not just a fleeting feeling of jealousy; it is a serious spiritual disease that has a profound impact on the heart. Once it settles in, it corrupts the soul and weakens the person who harbors it. That is why the Qur’an strongly warns against it, as Allah says: “And from the evil of the envier when he envies” [Al-Falaq: 5]. Allah commanded His servants to seek refuge from the harm of the envier, because his malice can reach others, disturbing their blessings and causing them harm—always by Allah’s decree and permission.

The Prophet peace and blessings be upon him also emphasized this danger, saying: “Beware of envy, for envy consumes good deeds just as fire consumes firewood” [Reported by Abu Dawud and Ibn Majah, authenticated by Al-Albani]. Thus, envy not only harms the one who is envied, but it also destroys the envier himself, devouring his good deeds and leaving him bankrupt in both this life and the Hereafter.

Still, the aim is not for us to accuse or expose others, for Allah alone knows what lies within hearts. Rather, the purpose of learning the signs of envy is to become more aware and discerning, to manage our relationships wisely, and to protect ourselves through discretion and spiritual fortification. These signs are not definitive judgments, but indicators to help us remain cautious without cutting off ties or wronging others. They remind us to avoid oversharing, to safeguard our privacy, and to maintain healthy boundaries with people.

In short, the signs of envy are not meant for labeling individuals but for alerting us to seek refuge in Allah, preserve our secrets, and live with balance—neither heedless so that we get harmed, nor overly suspicious so that we wrong those around us.

First Sign: They Do Not Rejoice at Your Joy… and Feel Sad at Your Blessings

One of the clearest signs of envy is when a person’s heart tightens upon seeing you receive goodness—whether it is a promotion at work, success in your studies, marriage, or financial prosperity. While others congratulate and pray for you, the envious one remains silent or quickly changes the subject, as if your happiness does not concern him. The Qur’an refers to the root of this spiritual disease in the verse:
“Or do they envy people for what Allah has given them of His bounty?” [An-Nisa 4:54].

A true believer, however, rejoices at the blessings of Allah upon his brother just as he rejoices for himself. This is part of the perfection of faith, as the Prophet Muhammad (peace and blessings be upon him) said:
“None of you truly believes until he loves for his brother what he loves for himself.” [Agreed upon – al-Bukhari and Muslim].

The envious person, on the other hand, is the opposite—his chest tightens at the sight of goodness with others, and he secretly wishes that blessing would disappear from them.

How should you respond?
Do not enter into confrontation or try to force him to congratulate you, as that only increases hostility. Instead, be wise: suffice with a calm smile, avoid sharing too many personal details, and protect yourself with remembrance. Silently say: Masha’Allah, la quwwata illa billah (What Allah has willed, there is no power except with Allah). The remembrance of Allah is a fortress for the believer, a safeguard for blessings, and a cure against the harm of the envier.

Second Sign: They Belittle Your Achievements and Attribute Them to Luck

One of the clearest signs of envy is when a person constantly undermines your accomplishments, refusing to give them their true worth. If you succeed in your studies, work, or a personal project, you might hear dismissive remarks such as: “It was nothing… just luck… anyone could have done that.” These words are not innocent; their aim is to break your spirit and plant doubt in your abilities, making you lose confidence in yourself. At the same time, you will notice that such a person exaggerates their own achievements—no matter how small or ordinary—in order to present themselves as superior. The Qur’an describes this mentality in the verse:

“If good touches you, it distresses them.” [Āl ʿImrān: 120].

The best way to deal with this is not to argue or try to justify your success, because that only fuels their resentment and gives them what they want. Instead, respond calmly and firmly by saying: “Alhamdulillah (praise be to Allah) for His guidance and help,” then close the matter. Let your accomplishments be measured by clear standards and by the recognition of people of knowledge and expertise—not by the mood of an envious person. In this way, you protect your morale, stay focused on growth, and avoid wasting energy on meaningless debates.

Third Sign: The Heavy Gaze Without Saying “Masha’Allah”

One of the most dangerous traits of an envier is that heavy gaze that mixes admiration with hidden resentment, yet it lacks any remembrance of Allah or a prayer for blessing. At first, it may seem like a harmless look, but in reality, it is a poisoned arrow that leaves the eye of the envier and strikes the heart or body of the envied—by Allah’s permission. This is what we know as the evil eye (al-‘ayn).

The Prophet, peace and blessings be upon him, said in an authentic hadith:

"The evil eye is real, and if anything were to precede the Divine Decree, it would be the evil eye." [Reported by Muslim].

This confirms that the effect of the evil eye is not superstition or imagination; it is a reality established by the teachings of Islam.

The Qur’an also alludes to its impact when Allah says:

"And indeed, those who disbelieve would almost make you slip with their eyes when they hear the reminder…" (Al-Qalam 51).

If the gaze of disbelievers nearly affected the Messenger of Allah, peace and blessings be upon him, then surely others are not safe from its harm.

That is why this sign requires special awareness. Many people may admire what you have, but they fail to say: “Masha’Allah, Tabarak Allah.” And that silence leaves the blessing exposed.

So, what is the protection? It lies in two steps:

🔹 First: Train yourself and your family to always mention Allah’s name upon seeing blessings. Say: “Allahumma barik” (O Allah, bless it) or “Masha’Allah, la quwwata illa billah” (As Allah has willed, there is no power except through Him). Such remembrance preserves blessings and shields them from envy.

🔹 Second: If you ever feel the weight of someone’s gaze or a sudden unease in their presence, fortify yourself with the prescribed remembrances. Recite the Mu‘awwidhat (the last three surahs of the Qur’an), and repeat morning and evening: “In the Name of Allah, with Whose Name nothing in the heavens or earth can cause harm, and He is the All-Hearing, All-Knowing.”

By doing so, you turn your heart into a fortified castle and your tongue into a weapon against the arrows of envy and the evil eye. Nothing will harm you except what Allah has decreed—and His decree is always full of wisdom.

The Fourth Sign: Rejoicing at Your Misfortune or Taking Pleasure in Your Failure

One of the ugliest and most harmful signs of envy is when a person feels joy at your hardship, or you notice a hidden sense of relief on their face when you stumble or fall. They may try to conceal it with a faint smile or empty words, but the tone of their voice or the look in their eyes reveals the malice within their heart.

Some of the wise have said: “No one rejoices at another’s misfortune except an envier or an enemy.” This perfectly describes the diseased soul that cannot find happiness in the goodness of others, but only feels satisfaction when they are hurt or held back.

The Qur’an describes such people clearly:

“If good touches you, it distresses them; but if harm strikes you, they rejoice at it.” [Āl ʿImrān: 120]

This verse shows that it is from the nature of the envious and the wicked to grieve at the blessings of believers and to rejoice when calamities befall them.

How should you deal with such people?

The key is not to show them your weakness or defeat, because the envier feeds off your brokenness. Instead, remain firm, composed, and turn your heart to Allah. Say, as Allah taught us: “Sufficient for us is Allah, and He is the best Disposer of affairs.” This is the believer’s shield in times of trial. Rather than letting your setback break you, make it a reason to rise stronger, with renewed determination.

The envier wants to see you crushed so that they may feel at ease. Defy them by showing strength and reliance on Allah. In doing so, you turn their moment of schadenfreude into your moment of inner victory, shutting the door to their malice and weakening their influence.

The Fifth Sign: He Does Not Congratulate You for Your Blessings and Intentionally Ruins the Moment

One of the clearest signs of envy is when someone refuses to share in your joy during your happy occasions. When people marry, achieve success, or receive a blessing, sincere friends and loved ones greet them with heartfelt congratulations and prayers. The envier, however, stays silent, gives a sarcastic remark, or throws a mocking comment that diminishes the beauty of the moment. This is not merely a matter of temperament but a reflection of a diseased and hardened heart.

Islam teaches us to spread blessings through kind words. The Prophet (peace and blessings be upon him) taught us how to congratulate newlyweds by saying: “May Allah bless you, and shower His blessings upon you, and bring you together in goodness.” [Reported by Abu Dawud and al-Tirmidhi]. Such words uplift the soul, strengthen love, and protect the blessing, while the envier’s refusal to congratulate only reveals the darkness in his heart.

How should you respond?

Do not expect from the envier what his heart cannot give. Waiting for his congratulations will only cause you more pain, and tying your happiness to his approval will imprison your joy. Instead, be wise: minimize emotional dependence on him, and surround yourself with those who sincerely celebrate you. Keep remembering Allah so that your blessings remain protected from every envious soul.

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The Sixth Sign: He Imitates You Out of Jealousy, Not Out of Love for Goodness

Another sign of envy is when someone rushes to imitate everything you do—not out of admiration or a genuine desire for self-improvement, but driven by jealousy and the urge to outdo you at any cost. Whenever you start a project, achieve success, or show a unique quality, he hastens to copy your steps, not to innovate or build himself, but to diminish your distinction and assert his presence against you. This is not healthy competition that inspires growth; rather, it is envy that corrupts hearts and relationships.

Ibn al-Qayyim (may Allah have mercy on him) pointed to this reality, saying: “Envy is the root of most evils.” This means that many forms of unhealthy rivalry are born from envy, not from noble ambition or beneficial excellence.

How should you respond?

Do not let your life turn into a meaningless race with such a person. Do not waste your energy trying to prove yourself against him or fall into constant conflict. Stay firm on your path, develop yourself according to your own standards, not the gaze of the envious. If needed, adjust your pace or change your plan quietly, without fuss, so your focus remains on your true goals rather than on pleasing or competing with the envier.

The Seventh Sign: Follows Your News to Use It Against You

One of the distinctive signs of an envious person is that they carefully track the details of your life—not out of genuine care, but to find ways to criticize or unsettle you. They constantly ask about your projects, purchases, plans, or any achievements you have accomplished, then use this information to diminish your success or feel satisfaction if misfortune or difficulties befall you.

The Prophet Muhammad (peace and blessings be upon him) warned believers about fully disclosing their affairs to others, saying:

“Seek help in accomplishing your affairs by keeping them private, for every person with a blessing is envied.” [Reported by Al-Tabarani and authenticated by Al-Albani]

How to act:

Share only the main points of your achievements or news, but avoid sensitive details—especially before completing a project. Keep your circle of close ones small, consisting of trustworthy and devout people who will guard your secrets and support you, away from the eyes of the envious. Practicing discretion and wisdom in what you share is a powerful way to protect yourself from the harm of envy.

Sign Eight: He Denies Your Merit and Belittles Your Success

One of the clearest signs of an envious person is that he constantly belittles your achievements. He refuses to acknowledge your effort or give credit for your success. You may complete a difficult project, and he dismisses it as mere coincidence or something anyone could have done. Yet when he achieves the smallest accomplishment, he magnifies it and dresses it as though it were something extraordinary. This behavior plants discouragement and self-doubt in others, but in reality, it reflects a diseased heart that cannot see goodness in others without diminishing it.

Islam teaches us to recognize merit and give people their due, as the Prophet peace and blessings be upon him said:

“Whoever does you a favor, then repay him…” [Reported by Abu Dawud and authenticated by Al-Albani].

Dismissing or denying the good done by others is not the character of true believers, but rather a sign of inner corruption.

How should you deal with it?

Do not please the envious person by entering into justifying debates to prove your success, for that is exactly what he seeks — to make you feel inadequate. Instead, move forward in silence and let your results speak for themselves. Tie the evaluation of your work to facts, clear standards, and the testimony of experts, not to the sick judgments of the envious.

Sign Nine: He Backbites You, Slanders You, and Collects Your Mistakes

One of the most malicious signs of an envier is that he seeks to tarnish your reputation. He speaks ill of you behind your back, tries to bring you down in people’s eyes, and magnifies your smallest mistakes until they appear as great flaws. This is not a mere slip of the tongue, but one of the ugliest manifestations of envy, for it combines a diseased heart with the injustice of the tongue.

The Prophet peace and blessings be upon him warned against such behavior, saying:

“Do not envy one another, do not hate one another, do not spy on one another… but be, O servants of Allah, brothers.” [Reported by Muslim]

Backbiting, slander, and spying are all forbidden, and most of them stem from envy, which drives a person to watch others and speak ill of them instead of fixing himself.

Practical steps to deal with this:

Do not involve yourself in public disputes or responses that drain your energy.

Maintain your good image through consistency, good character, and excellent work.

If necessary, clarify misunderstandings calmly, with wisdom and evidence, without anger or insult.

In this way, the envier’s attempts become nothing more than passing clouds, for truth and good conduct are powerful enough to nullify any false accusations.

Sign Ten: Arrogance, Contempt, and Belittling Others

One of the most striking traits of the envious person is that he does not stop at merely feeling distressed at the blessings of others. Rather, he often falls into arrogance and conceit. He sees himself as more deserving of every virtue, as if any blessing given to someone else has been misplaced. To satisfy this diseased soul, he resorts to mockery and ridicule, belittling people and undermining their achievements, in order to appear superior at all times. Such behavior is nothing but a façade that conceals an inner weakness and a burning resentment.

The Prophet peace and blessings be upon him strongly warned against arrogance, saying:

“No one who has an atom’s weight of arrogance in his heart will enter Paradise.” [Narrated by Muslim]

Thus, belittling others is not merely a socially detestable behavior; it is a spiritual disease that blocks the path to Paradise and sows hatred among hearts.

Imam al-Shafi‘i, may Allah have mercy on him, eloquently expressed the destructive effect of envy and arrogance in his famous lines of poetry:

Be patient with the envy of the envious, for surely your patience will kill him.

Fire consumes itself if it does not find something else to consume.

The arrogant envier is consumed by his own malice, burning within if he finds nothing to extinguish the flames of his resentment.

How should you deal with this trait?

Wisdom dictates that you should not respond to arrogance with arrogance, nor repay condescension with condescension. Doing so would strip you of your moral distinction and make you fall into the very illness you are trying to avoid. Instead, meet arrogance with humility before Allah, and honor those around you—even if they belittle you. Humility does not diminish your worth; rather, it elevates you in the sight of Allah and among people. Allah the Exalted says:

“And the servants of the Most Merciful are those who walk upon the earth with humility, and when the ignorant address them harshly, they say [words of] peace.” [Al-Furqan: 63]

Thus, humility before Allah and good character with people are the strongest weapons to extinguish the flames of envy and arrogance, and they are the surest path to salvation in both this world and the Hereafter.

Gray Areas: Why Do We See Some Signs in Non-Envious People?

Sometimes you may notice one or two signs in a person who does not actually intend harm: a naturally reserved character, a fleeting moment of discomfort, or poor wording. That is why you should not rush to judgments or publicly accuse anyone. The purpose of these signs is to raise awareness and close gaps of vulnerability, not to cast accusations.

How can you protect yourself from envy without cutting ties?

1. Daily protection:

Morning and evening adhkār, reciting the Mu‘awwidhāt (Sūrat al-Falaq and Sūrat al-Nās), and Āyat al-Kursī. For example, the supplication:

“I seek refuge in the perfect words of Allah from the evil of what He has created” [Reported by Muslim].

And remember Allah abundantly throughout your day as much as you can.

2. Practical discretion:

Accomplish first, then speak. Do not expose every detail of your plans and figures before everyone.

3. Righteous companionship:

Surround yourself with those who rejoice at your joy and support you in obedience to Allah.

4. Reliance and supplication:

“And whoever puts his trust in Allah – then He is sufficient for him” [al-Ṭalāq: 3].

5. Purification of the heart:

Cleanse your own heart from envy; for when a person purifies his inner self, Allah grants him acceptance and closes off the doors of evil against him.

Envy is an ancient trial: it was the very first sin committed in the heavens when Iblīs envied Ādam, and on earth when Qābīl envied Hābīl. Yet, envy has no power over the believer who seeks refuge in his Lord, clings to remembrance, and walks in the light of the Qur’an and the Sunnah.

Always remember: “And from the evil of an envier when he envies” [al-Falaq: 5].

So seek refuge in Allah, practice discretion, keep working, and leave the results to Him. The envy of the envious will only raise you higher and make you firmer—by the permission of Allah.