Central Khutbah: “Envy – It Burns the Soul and Consumes Good Deeds”

Let us protect ourselves from envy!

By definition, envy is a negative trait of human beings, manifested through a hostile or negative attitude toward someone who possesses a blessing that the envious person does not have – whether it is a quality, a noble family, physical beauty, knowledge, prestige, or material wealth. The envious person wishes that this blessing be taken away from the other – not to possess it themselves, but simply because they cannot bear that another benefits from it.

There are different types and degrees of envy – from silent resentment, to hidden hostility, to open aggression, and even overt delight when the other loses the blessing. The envious person finds no peace until they see their neighbor in misfortune.

Envy, dear brothers and sisters, is an ancient and pernicious disease. It was the cause of the first sin in the heavens, when Iblis (Satan) envied Adam, peace be upon him, for the honor Allah had granted him. Allah says:

“And when We said to the angels, ‘Prostrate before Adam!’ they prostrated, except for Iblis, who refused, became arrogant, and was of the disbelievers.”
(Surah Al-Baqarah, 2:34)

Envy was also the cause of the first murder on Earth. Cain envied his brother Abel because Allah accepted Abel’s sacrifice, and he killed him. Allah says:

“Recite to them the story of the two sons of Adam in truth…”
(Surah Al-Ma’ida, 5:27–31)

Allah clearly warns us in the Qur’an against this trait:

“Does he envy people for what Allah has given them of His bounty?”
(Surah An-Nisa, 4:54)

And in the famous Surah Al-Falaq, we are commanded to seek refuge from the envious:

“And from the evil of the envier when he envies.”
(Surah Al-Falaq, 113:5)

The Prophet ﷺ warned:

“Beware of envy, for it consumes good deeds just as fire consumes wood.”
(Sunan Abu Dawud, Hadith 4903 – authenticated by Al-Albani and others)

He also said:

“You will not enter Paradise until you believe, and you will not believe until you love one another. Shall I tell you something that, if you do it, will cause love between you? Spread the greeting of peace (as-salam) among yourselves.”
(Sahih Muslim, Hadith 54)

Envy destroys faith, poisons human relationships, and leads to other major sins – such as backbiting, plotting, lying, and injustice. It often hides behind false criticism, contempt, or even hypocritical kindness – but in reality, it expresses dissatisfaction with the divine decree.

A sincere believer rejoices in the blessings others receive, knowing that everything comes from Allah, and that He gives to each according to His wisdom and mercy.

Let us therefore ask Allah, exalted is He, to protect us from envy and the diseases of the heart, to purify our souls, and to make us among those who are content with His decree and happy for the blessings of others.

Amin.

(Central khutbah by the religious leader Hafiz Hilmija Redžić on May 23 2025, at the “Association Islamique et Culturelle Afnane”)