he envies. All these are matters hidden from us, and none but Allah—Glory be to Him—can grant refuge from them.” (1)

Shaykh Abdullah al-Jibrīn (may Allah preserve him) said: “Allah has commanded that refuge be sought from one who casts the evil eye, for such a person is included in the words of Allah Most High, ‘and from the evil of an envier when he envies.’ Seeking refuge from his evil brings preservation and protection. Allah knows best.” (2)

Regarding seeking refuge from the evil eye, Aisha (may Allah be pleased with her) reported that the Messenger of Allah (peace and blessings be upon him) said: “Seek refuge in Allah from the evil eye, for the evil eye is real.”

Ibn Abbas (may Allah Most High be pleased with him and his father) reported that the Prophet (peace and blessings be upon him) used to invoke protection for Hasan and Husayn, saying: “Your forefather used this formula to invoke protection for Ishmael and Isaac: I seek refuge for you both in Allah’s perfect words from every devil, every venomous creature, and every harmful eye.” (3)

Zar ibn Hubaysh reported: “I said to Ubayy, ‘Your brother erases the two surahs from the codex,’ and he did not deny it.” Sufyan was asked, “Do you mean Ibn Masud?” He replied, “Yes.” The two surahs were absent from Ibn Masud’s codex. He had seen the Messenger of Allah (peace and blessings be upon him) invoke protection for Hasan and Husayn with them, but had not heard him recite them in any of his prayers. He therefore thought that they were merely two formulas of protection and persisted in this view. The others ascertained that they were part of the Quran and included them in it. (4)

• Reciting the morning and evening remembrances, those following the prescribed prayers, those for entering and leaving the home, and saying the name of Allah before every deed—all of this repels evil, including envy, and brings good, including well-being. Whoever remains constantly devoted to Allah will receive Allah Most High’s care at all times, while whoever is devoted to Allah only intermittently will receive His care only intermittently. Allah gives most abundantly, grants the richest reward, and is the most generous of all whom a servant may ask. Whoever seeks refuge in Allah will never be disappointed. Glory be to Him—what a mighty King and gracious Lord! To Him belongs all praise in this world and the Hereafter.