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Based upon the work of Imam Ibnul Qayyim (rahimahullaah)

The 10 Ways – point-by-point – to escape the envy of the envious person:

1– Seeking refuge in Allaah from the evil of the haasid (the envious one).

2– Fearing Allaah, Subhanahu wa Ta’aala.

3– Being patient when dealing with this enemy, and not wasting time via confronting him or arguing with him.

4– Tawakkul (relying on Allaah).

5– Don’t even allow your heart to become occuppied with the envier’s foolishness, and try your best to erase it from your thoughts.

6– Turning to Allaah and being sincere to Allaah, and making the love of seeking Allaah’s Pleasure and repenting to Allaah one’s main primary concern.

7– Repenting to Allaah for sins which allowed the enemy to gain asendancy over him; no one is given the ability to overpower a slave except due to that’s slave’s sins (sins he knows of and the sins he may not know of).

8– Giving sadaqah and treating others well.

9– Repelling the evil with good – and this is from the most difficult upon the soul.

10– Implementing and actualizing Tawheed, which in reality encompasses everything that has preceded, and it revolves around it. And for one to actualize Tawheed, he must learn it. One should learn Tawheed and the right of Allaah upon His slaves.

In this sermon, the speaker elaborates on the teachings of Imam Ibn al-Qayyim regarding the ten methods to repel the evil of envy (hasad). These methods are derived from his explanation of Surah Al-Falaq and Surah An-Nas. The speaker details each of the ten factors, providing scriptural evidence from the Qur’an and Hadith. The core principles discussed include seeking refuge in Allah, maintaining consciousness of God (taqwa), exercising patience (sabr), having complete reliance on Allah (tawakkul), ignoring worries about envy, filling one’s heart with the love of Allah, sincere repentance (tawbah), giving charity (sadaqah), showing benevolence even to the envious, and finally, solidifying one’s belief in the oneness of Allah (Tawhid), which is presented as the foundation of all other protections.

Ten Ways to Repel the Evil of Envy

Bismillah hir-Rahman nir-Rahim. Al-hamdu lillahi rabbil ‘alamin, wa salla Allahu ‘ala nabiyyina Muhammad wa ‘ala alihi wa sahbihi wa sallam.
In the name of Allah, the Most Beneficent, the Most Merciful. I testify that there is no true God worthy of worship except Allah, and that Muhammad is Allah’s true slave and messenger.

Imam Ibn al-Qayyim, rahimahullah, in his explanation of Al-Mu’awwidhatayn (the two chapters of seeking refuge), Surah Al-Falaq and Surah An-Nas, he spoke about ten matters or ten ways or ten factors that repel the evil of envy. That repel the evil of envy. And he rahimahullah said that the evil of the envious one, al-hasid, is repelled by these ten factors or ten ways.

1. Seeking Refuge in Allah

First one is seeking refuge in Allah from the evil of envy. Seeking refuge in Allah from the evil of envy. And this is the focus of Surah Al-Falaq, of Surah Al-Falaq, chapter 113. Allah subhanahu wa ta’ala hears and responds and sees the one who calls upon Him. And Allah’s hearing in this context, context, signifies the answer of one’s invocation. And this is very evident in the ayah in Surah Ibrahim, in the verse in Surah Ibrahim 14:39:

إِنَّ رَبِّي لَسَمِيعُ الدُّعَاءِ

“Verily, my Lord is indeed the All-Hearer of invocations.” (14:39)

My Lord is he that, the hearer, the one who hears the prayers.

Similarly, the believer in his Salah says:

سَمِعَ اللَّهُ لِمَنْ حَمِدَهُ

Sami’ Allahu liman hamidah.

سَمِعَ اللَّهُ لِمَنْ حَمِدَهُ

Sami’ Allahu liman hamidah.
Allah hears the one who praises Him. Allah hears the one who praises Him. So Allah subhanahu wa ta’ala answers the call of the worshiper who praises Him.

Still, however, the way of seeking refuge in Allah differs according to situations. In Surah Al-A’raf, chapter 7, for example, Allah subhanahu wa ta’ala instructs the believers by saying:

وَإِمَّا يَنزَغَنَّكَ مِنَ الشَّيْطَانِ نَزْغٌ فَاسْتَعِذْ بِاللَّهِ

وَإِمَّا يَنزَغَنَّكَ مِنَ الشَّيْطَانِ نَزْغٌ فَاسْتَعِذْ بِاللَّهِ إِنَّهُ سَمِيعٌ عَلِيمٌ

“And if an evil whisper from Shaitan (Satan) tries to turn you away (O Muhammad) (from doing good, etc.), then seek refuge in Allah. Verily, He is the All-Hearer, the All-Knower.” (7:200)

Since men cannot see Satan, Allah, the Most High, commands the believers to seek refuge in Him, the All-Hearing, the All-Knowing. However, in contrast, when man seeks refuge in Allah, the Most High, from visible harms, he seeks refuge in Allah, the All-Seeing.

Allah, the Most High, says in Surah Ghafir, chapter 40, verse 56:

إِنَّ الَّذِينَ يُجَادِلُونَ فِي آيَاتِ اللَّهِ بِغَيْرِ سُلْطَانٍ أَتَاهُمْ ۙ إِن فِي صُدُورِهِمْ إِلَّا كِبْرٌ مَّا هُم بِبَالِغِيهِ ۚ فَاسْتَعِذْ بِاللَّهِ ۖ إِنَّهُ هُوَ السَّمِيعُ الْبَصِيرُ

“Verily, those who dispute about the Ayat (proofs, evidences, verses, lessons, signs, revelations, etc.) of Allah, without any authority that has come to them, there is nothing else in their breasts except pride [to accept you (Muhammad) as a Messenger of Allah and to obey you]. They will never have it (i.e. Prophethood). So seek refuge in Allah (O Muhammad from the arrogant). Verily, it is He Who is the All-Hearer, the All-Seer.” (40:56)

So Allah commands his slaves to seek refuge in Him, the All-Hearing and the All-Knowing, from the evil of the invisible things, while the isti’adhah, seeking refuge from the evil of the visible things, should be sought in Him with his divine names, the All-Hearing and the All-Seeing.

2. Consciousness of Allah (Taqwa)

So this is the first matter or the first factor. Seeking refuge in Allah from the evil of envy. The second is consciousness of Allah. Consciousness of Allah. Whoever fears Allah, Allah will protect him and will not leave him alone to rely on others besides Him subhanahu wa ta’ala. He, the Most High, says:

وَإِن تَصْبِرُوا وَتَتَّقُوا لَا يَضُرُّكُمْ كَيْدُهُمْ شَيْئًا ۗ إِنَّ اللَّهَ بِمَا يَعْمَلُونَ مُحِيطٌ

“But if you remain patient and become Al-Muttaqun (the pious), not the least harm will their cunning do to you. Surely, Allah surrounds all that they do.” (3:120)

If a good befalls you, it grieves them, but if some evil overtakes you, they rejoice at it. But if you remain patient and become pious and righteous, not the least harm will their cunning do to you. Surely Allah surrounds all that they do. And we know that the Prophet Sallallahu alaihi wa sallam advised Abdullah bin Abbas, may Allah be pleased with him and his father, saying, “Be mindful of Allah, and Allah will protect you. Be mindful of Allah, and you will find Him before you.”

3. Patience (As-Sabr)

The third matter or factor or way is As-Sabr. As-Sabr. Patience. If one faces the harms of his enemies with patience and forbearance, their cunning will be weak, and nothing will harm him, bi idhnillah, Allah willing. In this context, Allah subhanahu wa ta’ala says in Surah Al-Hajj, in 22, verse 60:

ذَٰلِكَ وَمَنْ عَاقَبَ بِمِثْلِ مَا عُوقِبَ بِهِ ثُمَّ بُغِيَ عَلَيْهِ لَيَنصُرَنَّهُ اللَّهُ ۗ إِنَّ اللَّهَ لَعَفُوٌّ غَفُورٌ

“That is so. And whoever has retaliated with the like of that which he was made to suffer, and then has again been wronged, Allah will surely help him. Verily, Allah is indeed Oft-Pardoning, Oft-Forgiving.” (22:60)

These words of Allah subhanahu wa ta’ala assure the believer that Allah’s help will be granted to those who are oppressed, as long as they do not act aggressively.

4. Reliance on Allah (Tawakkul)

The fourth factor: reliance on Allah. Reliance on Allah azza wa jall. And this is the powerful shield and protection against the aggression of all creatures. Allah, the Most High, has promised to protect those who rely on Him against all kinds of harm, except what is necessary, such as coldness, heat, hunger, thirst, and so forth.

Allah ta’ala in Surah At-Talaq, chapter 65, verse three:

وَمَن يَتَوَكَّلْ عَلَى اللَّهِ فَهُوَ حَسْبُهُ

“And whosoever puts his trust in Allah, then He will suffice him.” (65:3)

5. Inattention and Steering Clear of Worrying About Envy

The fifth factor: inattention and steering clear of worrying about envy and its harms. Inattention and steering clear of worrying about envy and its harms. To be able to escape the evil of envy, one should not fear or worry about it. This means, it’s like the one who escapes facing his enemy in order to be safe and secure. Envy, however, is like fire. If there is no wood, it will seen, it, it will soon be put out. Envy is like fire. If there is no wood, it will soon be put out.

Only the truthful ones, which, the truthful souls which rely on Allah, upon Allah, and are confident that Allah’s help is better to them, they are the ones who can adopt this means. They are the ones who can adopt this means.

6. Devotion and Filling One’s Heart with Allah’s Love

Sixth, devotion and filling one’s heart with Allah’s love. When the person fills his heart with Allah’s love and seeks his pleasure, then his heart will have no place for fear of envy. Then his heart will have no place for fear of envy. He who makes Allah’s love his main concern, Allah will shield his heart from the devil’s whisper. He who makes Allah’s love his main concern, Allah will shield his heart from the devil’s whisper.

And in the Qur’an, Allah subhanahu wa ta’ala declares several times that his protection will be granted to his faithful and devout worshipers. Allah subhanahu wa ta’ala tells about Iblis, the devil, saying:

قَالَ فَبِعِزَّتِكَ لَأُغْوِيَنَّهُمْ أَجْمَعِينَ إِلَّا عِبَادَكَ مِنْهُمُ الْمُخْلَصِينَ

“(Iblis (Satan)) said: “By Your Might, then I will surely mislead them all, “Except Your chosen slaves amongst them (i.e. faithful, obedient, true believers of Islamic Monotheism).” (38:82-83)

Allah subhanahu wa ta’ala’s response in Surah Al-Hijr, chapter 15, verse 42:

إِنَّ عِبَادِي لَيْسَ لَكَ عَلَيْهِمْ سُلْطَانٌ إِلَّا مَنِ اتَّبَعَكَ مِنَ الْغَاوِينَ

“Certainly, you shall have no authority over My slaves, except those who follow you of the Ghawin (Mushrikun and those who go astray, criminals, polytheists, and evil-doers).” (15:42)

And also in Surah An-Nahl, this is asserted in Surah An-Nahl, chapter 16, verses 99 to 100:

إِنَّهُ لَيْسَ لَهُ سُلْطَانٌ عَلَى الَّذِينَ آمَنُوا وَعَلَىٰ رَبِّهِمْ يَتَوَكَّلُونَ

“Verily, he has no power over those who believe and put their trust only in their Lord (Allah).” (16:99)

إِنَّمَا سُلْطَانُهُ عَلَى الَّذِينَ يَتَوَلَّوْنَهُ وَالَّذِينَ هُم بِهِ مُشْرِكُونَ

“His power is only over those who obey and follow him (Satan), and those who join partners with Him (Allah, i.e. are Mushrikun – polytheists).” (16:100)

And speaking about Prophet Yusuf, alaihi as-salam, Allah says:

كَذَٰلِكَ لِنَصْرِفَ عَنْهُ السُّوءَ وَالْفَحْشَاءَ ۚ إِنَّهُ مِنْ عِبَادِنَا الْمُخْلَصِينَ

“Thus it was, that We might turn away from him evil and illegal sexual intercourse. Surely, he was one of Our chosen, guided slaves.” (12:24)

No one can be more pleased than the one who receives the divine protection and shield. And Allah reminds us about this by saying in Surah Al-Jumu’ah, chapter 62, verse four:

ذَٰلِكَ فَضْلُ اللَّهِ يُؤْتِيهِ مَن يَشَاءُ ۚ وَاللَّهُ ذُو الْفَضْلِ الْعَظِيمِ

“That is the Grace of Allah, which He bestows on whom He wills. And Allah is the Owner of Mighty Grace.” (62:4)

7. Repentance (At-Tawbah)

The seventh factor, at-Tawbah, repentance. Sins pave the way for one’s enemies to overcome and dominate him. Allah subhanahu wa ta’ala says in the Quran in Surah Ash-Shura, 42:30:

وَمَا أَصَابَكُم مِّن مُّصِيبَةٍ فَبِمَا كَسَبَتْ أَيْدِيكُمْ وَيَعْفُو عَن كَثِيرٍ

“And whatever of misfortune befalls you, it is because of what your hands have earned. And He pardons much.” (42:30)

Similarly, Allah subhanahu wa ta’ala addressed the companions of the Prophet alaihi salatu wassalam, saying in Surah Al ‘Imran, in chapter 3, verse 165:

أَوَلَمَّا أَصَابَتْكُم مُّصِيبَةٌ قَدْ أَصَبْتُم مِّثْلَيْهَا قُلْتُمْ أَنَّىٰ هَٰذَا ۖ قُلْ هُوَ مِنْ عِندِ أَنفُسِكُمْ

“(What is the matter with you?) When a single disaster smites you, although you smote (your enemies) with one twice as great, you say: “From where does this come to us?” Say (to them), “It is from yourselves (because of your evil deeds).” (3:165)

Man brings afflictions to himself by committing sins, and no matter whether he is aware of these sins or not. And that’s why the Prophet Sallallahu alaihi wa sallam used to invoke Allah saying, “O Allah, I seek refuge in you from associating with you something I know, and I ask your forgiveness for that which I don’t know.” For that which I don’t know of. In fact, one’s need for Allah’s forgiveness of his unknown sins is greater than his need for forgiveness of his known ones. And that the more one abstains from committing sins, the more he deserves Allah’s protection from his foes.

Patience is one of the most powerful weapons against one’s enemies. And amongst the signs, Imam Ibn al-Qayyim said, “Amongst the signs of one’s happiness and prosperity is to preoccupy himself with reforming his own self and steering clear of sins.” Amongst the signs of one’s happiness and prosperity is to preoccupy himself with reforming his own self and steering clear of sins. In doing so, he will preoccupy himself with self-reformation, while Allah, his Lord, will protect and shield him against all forms of evil. And then he said, Ibn al-Qayyim rahimahullah, “What a blessed and happy man he will be then.”

He reminded, however, rahimahullah, he reminded and stressed that we should keep in mind that no one but Allah guides to this way. No one but Allah guides to this way, leading to the straight path. And that’s Allah’s bounty. He bestows it upon him whom he pleases. And there is no might nor power except with Allah.

8. Charity (As-Sadaqah)

The eighth factor is as-Sadaqah, charity. Charity and zakat repel the evil of envy. Almsgiving and charity repel the evil of envy. Allah subhanahu wa ta’ala grants the grateful servant a shield from the mischief of the envious persons. The more grateful to Allah’s bounties one is, the more worthy of Allah’s care.

9. Benevolence Towards the Envious Person

And the ninth one is, and this is the most difficult. This is the most difficult factor. Benevolence towards the envious and the aggress, and the aggressive ones. Benevolence towards the envious and the aggressive ones. This is the most difficult since men can hardly be benevolent towards their opponents and foes. And Allah subhanahu wa ta’ala urges the Muslims to abide by this by saying:

وَلَا تَسْتَوِي الْحَسَنَةُ وَلَا السَّيِّئَةُ

“The good deed and the evil deed cannot be equal.” (41:34)

ادْفَعْ بِالَّتِي هِيَ أَحْسَنُ فَإِذَا الَّذِي بَيْنَكَ وَبَيْنَهُ عَدَاوَةٌ كَأَنَّهُ وَلِيٌّ حَمِيمٌ

“Repel (the evil) with one which is better (i.e. Allah ordered the faithful believers to be patient at the time of anger, and to excuse those who treat them badly), then verily he, between whom and you there was enmity, (will become) as though he was a close friend.” (41:34)

وَمَا يُلَقَّاهَا إِلَّا الَّذِينَ صَبَرُوا وَمَا يُلَقَّاهَا إِلَّا ذُو حَظٍّ عَظِيمٍ

“But none is granted it (the above quality) except those who are patient, and none is granted it except the owner of the great portion (of the happiness in the Hereafter i.e. Paradise and in this world of a high moral character).” (41:35)

وَإِمَّا يَنزَغَنَّكَ مِنَ الشَّيْطَانِ نَزْغٌ فَاسْتَعِذْ بِاللَّهِ ۖ إِنَّهُ هُوَ السَّمِيعُ الْعَلِيمُ

“And if an evil whisper from Shaitan (Satan) tries to turn you away (O Muhammad) (from doing good), then seek refuge in Allah. Verily, He is the All-Hearer, the All-Knower.” (41:36)

And in Surah Al-Qasas, verse 54:

أُولَٰئِكَ يُؤْتَوْنَ أَجْرَهُم مَّرَّتَيْنِ بِمَا صَبَرُوا وَيَدْرَءُونَ بِالْحَسَنَةِ السَّيِّئَةَ وَمِمَّا رَزَقْنَاهُمْ يُنفِقُونَ

“These will be given their reward twice over, because they are patient, and repel evil with good, and spend (in charity) out of what We have provided them.” (28:54)

And although his people fought him, the Prophet Sallallahu alaihi wa sallam supplicated to Allah on their behalf saying, “Allahumma aghfir li qawmi fa innahum la ya’lamun.” “O Allah, forgive my people, for they don’t know.” And this is reported in Al-Bukhari.

And Imam Ibn al-Qayyim rahimahullah said, “Let us then contemplate the supplication of the Prophet alaihi salatu wassalam. He pardoned them. He asked Allah to forgive them. He sought excuse for them, and he drew them nearer to him by saying, ‘my people’.” And these are four aspects of goodness.

And there are certain ways that can help man attain this degree of goodness towards his foes. From that is, first, when one keeps in mind that although he is sinful, he longs for Allah’s forgiveness, pardon, and benevolence, then he should deal with people, even his foes, in the same manner he likes Allah to deal with him. Secondly, goodness to one’s foes brings Allah’s help to the person. And in this context, we may recall the Prophet’s saying to the man who complained to him about the maltreatment of his relatives, although he was benevolent to them. As long as you persist in doing so, Allah will help you. As long as you persist in doing so, Allah will help you. And thirdly, the benevolence towards one’s foes motivates the other people to supplicate to Allah on behalf of the benevolent one. And in doing so, he will have soldiers and supporters whom he does not know. His foes on the other hand will follow one of the following two attitudes: either to soften their hearts and incline to him, or to feel sadness and sorrow if they insist on their mischief.

10. Sound Belief in Tawhid

And the final one, and this is the core of all the ten factors, sound belief in Allah’s oneness and uniqueness in Tawhid. Sound belief in Tawhid. This factor is the core of these factors. The firm belief in the oneness and uniqueness of Allah means to think that no one can benefit or harm a person without His will. Allah subhanahu wa ta’ala says in Surah Yunus, chapter 10, verse 107:

وَإِن يَمْسَسْكَ اللَّهُ بِضُرٍّ فَلَا كَاشِفَ لَهُ إِلَّا هُوَ ۖ وَإِن يُرِدْكَ بِخَيْرٍ فَلَا رَادَّ لِفَضْلِهِ ۚ يُصِيبُ بِهِ مَن يَشَاءُ مِنْ عِبَادِهِ ۚ وَهُوَ الْغَفُورُ الرَّحِيمُ

“And if Allah touches you with hurt, there is none who can remove it but He; and if He intends any good for you, there is none who can repel His Favour which He causes it to reach whomsoever of His slaves He will. And He is the Oft-Forgiving, the Most Merciful.” (10:107)

And the Prophet alaihi salatu wassalam advised Ibn Abbas by saying, “And know that if the nation were to gather together to benefit you with anything, it would benefit you only with something that Allah had already prescribed for you. And that if they gather together to harm you with anything, they would harm you only with something Allah had already prescribed for you.”

And the more perfect one’s faith in Allah azza wa jall is, then the more safe of his enemies’ cunning he will be, and the more conscious of Allah he will become. When man fulfills his heart and deep-rooted belief in the oneness and uniqueness and sovereignty of Allah, no fear of anything else will touch him. People of perfect belief, however, see fear of others than Allah as a defect that should have no place in their hearts. And in the Quran, Allah, the Most High, has promised to secure his faithful slaves by saying, as in Surah Al-Hajj 22:38:

إِنَّ اللَّهَ يُدَافِعُ عَنِ الَّذِينَ آمَنُوا

“Truly, Allah defends those who believe.” (22:38)

So the belief in the oneness and uniqueness of Allah is the inaccessible fort of Allah. Is the inaccessible fort of Allah. Whoever enters it will be amongst the safe people in this world and the world to come. We ask Allah subhanahu wa ta’ala to make us from those who truly and sincerely fulfill the belief in his oneness and his uniqueness, and to protect us from all envies and from all evils.

Innahu waliyyu dhalika wal qadiru alayh. Wa salla Allahu ‘ala nabiyyina Muhammad wa ‘ala alihi wa sahbihi wa sallam.