Evil Eye

Evil Eye

The Arabic term al-‘ayn, commonly known as the evil eye, describes when harm is caused to a person through someone else's envious gaze. It typically begins when a person admires something, and that admiration—fuelled by envy—turns into a harmful spiritual force directed at the object of their gaze. Allāh instructed His beloved Prophet Muḥammad (peace and blessings be upon him) to seek His protection from those who envy, as stated in the verse: “And from the evil of the envier when he envies.”

Although every person who casts the evil eye harbors envy, not every jealous individual necessarily causes the evil eye. The term ḥāsid (envier) is broader than ‘ā’in (one who causes the evil eye). Seeking refuge from the envier includes protection from those who cast the evil eye as well. The evil eye acts like an arrow launched from the soul of the jealous person toward the one being envied. If the target is spiritually unprotected, it may harm them; but if the person is shielded through spiritual strength, dhikr, or duʿā, then that “arrow” may miss or even backfire on the one who sent it.

Ibn al-Qayyim al-Jawziyyah noted that while every person who casts the evil eye is envious, not every envious person does so intentionally. He explains that it often begins with admiration, and when this emotion is left unchecked, the harmful energy is directed—often unconsciously—towards others. The most harmful individuals are those who carry this trait as part of their nature, sometimes even harming others unintentionally. He also mentioned that a person may even direct the evil eye toward themselves, which is the worst form of this affliction. If someone is known for causing harm in this way, Islamic jurists have stated that such a person could be confined by an

imām, who would take care of their needs until they pass away, in order to protect the community.

Although the evil eye often stems from jealousy, it can also occur without envy—simply through admiration. This is supported by a

ḥadīth of the Prophet Muḥammad (peace and blessings be upon him): “Whoever among you sees something in himself or in his possessions or in his brother that he likes, let him pray for blessing for it, because the evil eye is real.” This shows that even admiring something about oneself without praising Allāh for it can result in the evil eye. If someone can harm themselves in this way, it’s even more likely they could unintentionally affect their spouse, children, or others close to them. For this reason, it’s highly recommended to say: “Allāhumma bārik fīhā” (O Allāh, bless her) when admiring a loved one.

How to Make Wudū Water for Someone Afflicted by the Evil Eye:

If someone is believed to have been afflicted by the evil eye, Islam prescribes a specific process of healing using water from the one who caused it. That person should:

- Place their hand in a vessel and rinse their mouth into it

- Wash their face using the water in the vessel

- Use their left hand to wash their right knee

- Use their right hand to wash their left knee

- Wash the inside of their garment

- Then, the water is poured from behind over the head of the afflicted person in one motion.

By the will of Allāh, this method brings healing.

How to Protect Oneself Against the Evil Eye:

A strong connection with Allāh, regular remembrance (dhikr), and consistent recitation of the Qur’ān act as a protective shield against the evil eye and other spiritual harms from the devils among mankind and jinn.

Adhkār for Protection:

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“A’oodhu bi kalimaat-Illaah it-taamah min kulli shaytaanin wa haammah wa min kulli ‘aynin laammah”

“I seek refuge in the perfect words of Allāh from every devil and vermin and from every envious eye.”

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“A’oodhu bi kalimaat-Illaah it-taammaati min sharri maa khalaq”

“I seek refuge in the perfect words of Allāh from the evil of that which He has created.”

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“A’oodhu bi kalimat-illah il-tammati min ghadabihi wa ‘iqabihi, wa min sharri ‘ibadihi wa min hamazat al-shayateeni wa an yahduroon”

“I seek refuge in the perfect words of Allāh from His wrath and punishment, from the evil of His slaves and from the evil promptings of the devils and from their presence.”

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“Bismillaahi arqeeka min kulli shay’in yu’dheeka, min sharri kulli nafsin aw ‘aynin haasid Allaahu yashfeek, bismillaahi arqeek”

“In the name of Allāh I perform ruqyah for you, from everything that is harming you, from the evil of every soul or envious eye—may Allāh heal you, in the name of Allāh I perform ruqyah for you.”