another person; yet that is the most malignant and grievous form. In fact, merely disliking that Allah has favored someone is itself envy. Envy is one of the hallmarks of the Jews, and whoever falls into it is imitating them—may Allah protect us. Allah, Exalted is He, says, “Many of the People of the Book wish they could turn you back to unbelief after you have believed, out of envy that they harbor in their hearts” (Al-Baqarah 2:109). He also says, “Or do they envy people for what Allah has granted them of His bounty? We certainly gave the House of Abraham the Scripture and wisdom, and We granted them a mighty kingdom” (An-Nisāʾ 4:54). It makes no difference whether you resent the blessing Allah has given another because you want it for yourself or simply because you want it removed from your brother, even though you will gain nothing by it.

Know that envy brings countless evils, among them:

1. It is an imitation of the Jews—the vilest and most abased of Allah’s servants—some of whom Allah transformed into apes and swine and into worshippers of false idols.

2. It testifies to the foulness of the envier’s own soul and to the fact that he does not love for his brothers what he loves for himself. Whoever truly loves for his brothers what he loves for himself never envies anyone; rather, he rejoices when Allah blesses another and says, “O Allah, grant me the like of it.” Allah the Exalted says, “Do not covet what Allah has favored some of you over others with. Men shall have a share of what they earn, and women a share of what they earn. So ask Allah for His bounty” (An-Nisāʾ 4:32).

3. It amounts to objecting to Allah’s decree and predestination. Who, after all, bestowed that favor on the man? It was Allah. If you resent it, you resent Allah’s decree and decision. It is well known that whoever resents Allah’s decree puts his religion in jeopardy—may Allah grant us safety—for he is, in effect, vying with the Lord of lords, Glorified and Exalted, in His management of affairs.