The Evil Eye in Islam: Causes, Symptoms, and Protection
What is the Evil Eye?
In Islamic tradition, the Evil Eye (Nazar) is a harmful force caused by envy, either from humans or Jinn. Prophet Muhammad (صلى الله عليه و سلم) confirmed its reality, and it is believed to afflict individuals, causing physical, emotional, or even financial harm.
Causes of the Evil Eye
1. Mankind’s Envy: The Evil Eye often stems from jealousy towards someone’s blessings, such as wealth, beauty, or success.
2. Jinn’s Influence: As narrated by Umm Salamah, the Prophet (صلى الله عليه و سلم) advised seeking Ruqyah for those afflicted by Jinn through the evil eye (Al-Bukhari, 5739).
Symptoms of the Evil Eye
Those afflicted may experience:
• Physical symptoms: Fatigue, weakness, yellowed skin, headaches, muscle pain, chest tightness.
• Emotional symptoms: Crying, lack of interest in activities, avoidance of people.
• Business effects: Blocked opportunities, failure in work, unexplained losses.
Protection Against the Evil Eye
Islam teaches several ways to protect oneself:
• Reciting Quranic verses: Verses like Ayat al-Kursi and Surah Al-Falaq are powerful for protection.
• Supplications: Prophet Muhammad (صلى الله عليه و سلم) taught to seek refuge in Allah for protection, especially when witnessing something impressive or beautiful.
• Modesty: Surah Noor (24:31) commands believers to guard their adornments and practice modesty as a means of shielding from envy.
Preventative Measures
1. Daily Remembrance (Dhikr): Consistently engage in supplications and remembrance to ward off envy.
2. Guarding Blessings: Conceal wealth or achievements to avoid attracting jealousy. The Prophet (صلى الله عليه و سلم) advised seeking protection for one’s family, wealth, and self.
3. Supplicate for Others: Upon seeing something admirable, invoke Allah’s blessings for the individual to prevent envy from arising.
Treatment of the Evil Eye
If afflicted, Islam provides clear remedies:
1. Ruqyah: Recite Ruqyah, which involves Quranic verses and supplications, to seek spiritual healing.
2. Ablution (Wudu): If the source of the evil eye is known, request the individual to perform wudu, and the afflicted person should bathe in the water (Sunan Abu Dawud, 419).
3. Supplications: Consistently ask for Allah’s protection and blessings to restore health and peace.
Conclusion
The Evil Eye is a serious concern in Islamic teachings, but through supplications, Quranic recitations, and practicing modesty, one can guard against its harmful effects. It’s essential to remain vigilant and turn to Allah for protection and healing.