and effective means of warding off the evil of one who casts the evil eye or of an envier is to avoid him and keep away from him. For example, a man should avoid passing in front of such an envier, associating or eating with him, greeting him, visiting him, or answering him when he asks about his business, wealth, children, crops, livestock, or anything else he fears may be harmed. Indeed, some people may even envy a man’s relationship with his family and relatives. They see two men united in brotherhood and envy them; estrangement then creeps in, and animosity does its work until their friendship turns to enmity. There is no might nor power except through Allah.

The ruler must take action against envious persons by imprisoning them, keeping them away from the public, and imposing a discretionary punishment suited to the condition of the person who casts the evil eye, until he is deterred from this shameful act. The harmful effects of envy are grave. It is enough to mention that it causes blessings to vanish, gives rise to animosity and rancor among people, and makes the envied person’s life miserable. May Allah preserve us by His grace and generosity.

Ibn al-Qayyim (may Allah have mercy on him) said: “Our scholars and other jurists have said that anyone known for this should be imprisoned by the ruler, who should provide him with maintenance until his death. This is unquestionably the correct view.” —Prophetic Medicine

Al-Aynī said: “Qadi Iyād said: ‘Some scholars have stated that when a person becomes known for inflicting the evil eye, he should be avoided and precautions should be taken against him. The ruler should prohibit him from mixing with people and compel him to remain at home. If he is poor, the ruler must provide him with sufficient maintenance. The harm he causes is greater than that caused by one who has eaten garlic and onions—whom the Prophet (peace and blessings be upon him) barred from entering the mosque lest he harm people—and greater than that posed by a person with leprosy whom Umar (may Allah Most High be pleased with him) barred.’” (1)

Third: A servant should fortify himself through prayer, for it is the bond between Allah Most High and His servant. The more consistently the servant observes it, the closer he is to Allah Most High, and the more it helps his supplications to be answered and his well-being to be preserved. It is reported in a hadith narrated by Nuaym ibn Hammār al-Ghatafānī (may Allah be pleased with him), from the Messenger of Allah (peace and blessings be upon him), that he