According to Islamic belief, the evil eye (Al-Ayn) is a real phenomenon that can have harmful effects on individuals, possessions, or even the environment. It is believed that the evil eye occurs when someone harbors feelings of jealousy, envy, or ill will towards another person and directs negative energy or thoughts towards them. Here are some key points to understand its impact:
1. Spiritual and Physical Harm: The evil eye is believed to cause both spiritual and physical harm to its target. This harm can manifest in various forms, including illness, misfortune, loss of wealth, or even accidents. The effects of the evil eye can be subtle or severe, depending on the intensity of the jealousy or envy directed towards the person or object.
The Hadith of Sahl bin Hunayf Imam Ahmad recorded from Abu Umamah bin Sahl bin Hunayf that his father informed him that;
the Messenger of Allah went out on a journey in the direction of Makkah and they (the Companions) accompanied him until they came to the valley of Kharrar from Al-Juhfah. They stopped there and Sahl took a bath. He (Sahl) was a white man, with a handsome body and nice skin. So the brother of Bani Adi bin Ka'b, Amir bin Rabi'ah looked at Sahl while he bathed and he said,
"I haven't seen the skin of a beautiful virgin girl nicer than this that I see today."
Then Sahl suddenly had a seizure and fell to the ground. So he (Sahl) was brought to the Messenger of Allah and it was said to him,
"O Messenger of Allah! Can you do anything for Sahl By Allah, he has not lifted his head nor has he regained consciousness."
The Prophet then said,
هَلْ تَتَّهِمُونَ فِيهِ مِنْ أَحَدٍ
Do you all blame (or hold responsible) anyone for what has happened to him)?
They said, "Amir bin Rabi`ah looked at him."
So the Prophet called Amir and he was very angry with him. He said,
عَلَمَ يَقْتُلُ أَحَدُكُمْ أَخَاهُ هَلَّ إِذَا رَأَيْتَ مَا يُعْجِبُكَ بَرَّكْتَ
Would one of you knowingly kill his brother? Why don't you ask Allah to bless your brother when you see something (of him) that you like? Then the Prophet said,
اغْتَسِلْ لَه
Bathe for him.
So he (Amir) washed his face, his hands, his elbows, his knees, his feet and the inside of his Izar (waist wrapper) in a drinking vessel. Then that water was poured over him (Sahl). A man poured it over Sahl's head and his back from behind him, then the container was turned upside down and emptied behind him. This was done, and afterwards Sahl recovered and left with the people having nothing wrong with him.
2. Protection through Prevention: Islam teaches believers to seek protection from the evil eye through various means. Reciting specific Quranic verses, such as Ayat al-Kursi (Verse of the Throne) and Surah Al-Falaq (Chapter 113), as well as supplications (duas) seeking Allah's protection, are recommended practices. Additionally, wearing protective amulets (Taweez) or using certain herbs and oils believed to ward off the evil eye are common cultural practices in some Muslim communities.
"The Messenger of Allah used to seek refuge from the evil eye of the Jinns and the evil eye of humans. Then when the Mu`awwidhatan were revealed, he used them (for seeking protection) and abandoned everything else."
3. Recognizing Signs and Symptoms: It is believed that individuals affected by the evil eye may exhibit certain signs and symptoms. These can include sudden illness, unexplained pain or discomfort, changes in behavior or mood, and a general sense of unease or negativity. Recognizing these signs and seeking spiritual remedies is important for mitigating the harmful effects of the evil eye.
The Messenger of Allah used to invoke Allah's protection for Al-Hasan and Al-Husayn (his grandsons) by saying,
أُعِيذُكُمَا بِكَلِمَاتِ اللهِ التَّامَّةِ مِنْ كُلِّ شَيْطَانٍ وَهَامَّةٍ وَمِنْ كُلِّ عَيْنٍ لَامَّة
"I seek protection for you two by the perfect Words of Allah from every Shaytan, and dangerous creature, and from every eye that is evil."
Then he would say:
هَكَذَا كَانَ إِبْرَاهِيمُ يُعَوِّذُ إِسْحَاقَ وَإِسْمَاعِيلَ عَلَيْهِمَا السَّلَم
Thus, did Ibrahim used to seek protection for Ishaq and Ismail (his sons).
Muslim recorded in his Sahih from Ibn Abbas that the Prophet said,
الْعَيْنُ حَقٌّ وَلَوْ كَانَ شَيْءٌ سَابَقَ الْقَدَرَ سَبَقَتِ الْعَيْنُ وَإِذَا اسْتُغْسِلْتُمْ فَاغْسِلُوا
The evil eye is real. If anything were to overtake the divine decree (and change it, then it would be the evil eye. And if you perform Ghusl (to remove the evil eye) then wash well.
4. Seeking Cure through Ruqyah: Ruqyah is the Islamic practice of seeking cure and protection from spiritual ailments, including the evil eye. It involves reciting specific Quranic verses and supplications, blowing over the affected person or object, and seeking Allah's healing and mercy. Seeking assistance from knowledgeable individuals who specialize in performing Ruqyah is recommended for those affected by the evil eye.
The Hadith of Buraydah bin Al-Husayb Abu Abdullah bin Majah recorded from Buraydah bin Al-Husayb that the Messenger of Allah said,
لَاا رُقْيَةَ إِلاَّ مِنْ عَيْنٍ أَوْ حُمَة
"There is no Ruqyah except to cure the evil eye and the sting."
5. Avoiding Jealousy and Envy: Islam emphasizes the importance of cultivating positive character traits, such as gratitude, contentment, and goodwill towards others, to prevent the occurrence of the evil eye. Believers are encouraged to guard against feelings of jealousy and envy and to focus on celebrating the blessings and successes of others rather than feeling resentful.
Allah Azawajal says in the Qur'an verse 68:51:
وَإِن يَكَادُ الَّذِينَ كَفَرُوا لَيُزْلِقُونَكَ بِأَبْصَارِهِمْ
لَمَّا سَمِعُوا الذِّكْرَ
And indeed, those who disbelieve would almost make you slip with their eyes [i.e., looks] when they hear the message, and they say, "Indeed, he is mad."
Ibn Abbas, Mujahid and others have said,
لَيُزْلِقُونَكَ
(would make you slip)
"In order to have some effect on you."
بِأَبْصَارِهِمْ
with their eyes,
meaning, they will affect you by looking at you with their eyes (i.e., the evil eye). This means they are jealous of you due to their hatred of you, and were it not for Allah's protection of you, defending you against them (then their evil eye would harm you).
In this Ayah is a proof that the effect of the evil eye and its affliction by the command of Allah is real. Many Hadiths have been reported concerning this through numerous routes of transmission.
6. Trust in Allah's Protection: Ultimately, Muslims believe in the divine protection and decree of Allah. Trusting in Allah's mercy, seeking His guidance, and maintaining strong faith and reliance on Him are fundamental principles for safeguarding against the harmful effects of the evil eye and all forms of adversity.
If one of you sees in his brother, or himself, or his wealth that which pleases him, then he should ask Allah to bless it, for verily, the evil eye is real.
In summary, while the evil eye is considered a real phenomenon in Islamic belief, Muslims are encouraged to seek protection through spiritual practices, preventive measures, and trust in Allah's mercy. By fostering positive attitudes, seeking refuge in Allah, and adhering to Islamic teachings, believers strive to ward off the harmful effects of envy and jealousy and lead lives filled with blessings and protection.