The Ruling on One Who Kills with His Evil Eye
It is authentically reported in the hadith, as stated previously, that the evil eye may send a man to the grave and a camel to the cooking pot. Do the rulings governing a killer therefore apply to someone who kills with his evil eye, or not?
We say, with Allah alone is success: No explicit text in the revealed law equates one who kills with his evil eye with one who kills by his own hand. Nor is such usage known among Arabic linguists: a person who casts the evil eye is not called a killer, even if he kills someone with it. Since it has been established that envy is a sin, the actual sin of one who kills in this manner is envy, not killing. Comparing him to one who kills by his own hand would therefore be a legally unsound analogy between dissimilar cases, and the legal rulings applicable to killing cannot be applied to him. The question of legal retaliation in this case has not been addressed. Nor can his act properly be classified as accidental killing, thereby obliging him to pay blood money. The ruler may, however, impose whatever discretionary punishment he deems appropriate, whether a financial penalty or confinement away from other people to prevent him from causing harm—that is, he may confine him to his home while making provision for his sustenance—particularly if he has become known for this. Allah knows best.
He must fear Allah Most High and avoid looking at anyone whom he fears he may harm with his evil eye, and he should pray that Allah bless that person. He knows his own condition better than anyone else. Allah Most High says:
“Whoever kills a believer intentionally, his recompense is Hell, where he will remain eternally. Allah is angry with him, has cursed him, and has prepared for him a tremendous punishment.” Surah al-Nisā’ (93)
Anyone who knows himself to be envious must therefore beware lest he kill someone with his evil eye or fall under the warning that Allah Most High issues to the killer in this verse. There is disagreement concerning the repentance of one who commits intentional murder, with two reports related from Ibn Abbās—may Allah be pleased with them both. The view that his repentance is not accepted is less authoritative; the stronger view is that anyone who repents may hope that Allah will accept his repentance.
It is authentically reported from Ibn Umar—may Allah be pleased with them both—that the Messenger of Allah—peace and blessings be upon him—said: “A Muslim continues to enjoy latitude in his religion so long as he does not shed blood unlawfully.” (1)
It is also authentically reported from him as a Companion statement that he said: “Indeed, among the grave predicaments from which there is no escape for anyone who casts himself