"The evil eye is a supernatural belief in a curse brought about by a malevolent glare, usually inspired by envy." The belief in the evil eye among humans has existed for thousands of years, and amulets to protect against it have been found dating to around 5,000 years ago.
In Judaism, while others believe it to be a kind of supernatural force that casts or reflects a malevolent gaze back upon those who wish harm upon others (especially innocents). The idea also appears multiple times in Jewish rabbinic literature. In Chapter II, five disciples of Rabbi Yochanan ben Zakai give advice on how to follow the good path in life and avoid the bad. Rabbi Eliezer says an evil eye is worse than a bad friend, a bad neighbor, or an evil heart.
Christianity's beliefs of the evil eye can be located in some passages of the Bible. In Luke 11:34 Jesus referenced to the eye as the lamp of the body. If a person's eye is generous, then their whole body will be full of light. If their eye is evil, then their whole body will be full of darkness.
In Hinduism, although Śrauta traditions do not have a concept of evil, it has been incorporated as a mainstream practice within modern Hinduism. For example, when a mother observes that her child is being excessively complimented, it is common for the mother to attempt to neutralize the effects of the evil eye (nazar utarna, drshti teeta or drushti tegeyodu). A common example of a neutralizing ritual involves holding red chilies in one hand and circling the child's head a few times, then burning the chilies.
The influence of an evil eye is a fact; if anything would precede the destiny it would be the influence of an evil eye, and when you are asked to take bath (as a cure) from the influence of an evil eye, you should take bath.
- The Reality of the Evil Eye: The Prophet (ﷺ) affirms that the evil eye is real and can cause harm. It is not merely a superstition or myth but a recognized phenomenon in Islam that can lead to physical or emotional harm.
- Precedence Over Destiny: The hadith states, “if anything would precede the destiny, it would be the influence of an evil eye.” This does not mean that the evil eye overrides Allah’s decree (Qadar) but emphasizes its powerful impact. Destiny is ultimately in Allah’s control, but the evil eye can cause harm within the parameters of what Allah has destined.
- Remedy Through Bathing: The Prophet (ﷺ) instructs that if someone is affected by the evil eye, they may be asked to take a specific type of bath as a remedy. The recommended action involves washing oneself with water that has been used by the person who cast the evil eye. This practice is believed to help remove the negative effects.
- Harm of the Evil Eye: The evil eye can manifest as physical illness, loss of blessings, sudden misfortune, or unexplained difficulties. The harm is not due to the inherent power of the person casting the eye but rather is allowed by Allah as a test or trial.
- Protection and Prevention: The Qur’an and Sunnah offer guidance on protecting oneself from the evil eye, such as reciting specific supplications (duas), seeking Allah’s protection, and regularly reading Surah Al-Falaq and Surah An-Nas. It is also recommended to say "Masha’Allah" (what Allah has willed) when admiring something to acknowledge Allah’s blessing and reduce the potential harm of envy.
- Bathing as a Remedy: The hadith advises taking a bath with water used by the person who cast the evil eye, reflecting the idea that spiritual remedies can alleviate the effects of such harm. While this practice is less common today, it signifies the importance of taking proactive steps to seek healing and not dismiss the harm caused by the evil eye.
- Generally held concept of Evil Eye: In Islam, the evil eye, or al-ʽayn (Arabic: العين, also عين الحسودة), is a common belief that individuals have the power to cause harm to people, animals or objects, by looking at them in a way that indicates jealousy. Although envy activates the evil eye, this happens (or usually happens) unconsciously. In addition to being looked at, astrology may play a part. Someone may become a victim of the evil eye by virtue of an "unfavorable celestial configuration" at the time of victim's birth, "according to some scholars"
- Destiny (Qadar) is Supreme: In Islam, everything happens by Allah’s decree, and nothing can occur outside of His will. The evil eye, like all other trials, occurs within the framework of destiny and serves as a reminder of the need for vigilance, faith, and reliance on Allah’s protection.
- Seeking Remedies is Encouraged: Islam encourages seeking both spiritual and practical remedies when faced with harm. The Prophet’s (ﷺ) guidance on taking a bath highlights that while the evil eye is real, there are means to address its effects.
May Allāh (سبحانه و تعالى) help us understand Qur'ān and follow the Sunnah of Prophet Muhammad ﷺ, which is embodiment of commandments of Allah contained in the Qur'ān. May Allah help us to be like the ones He loves and let our lives be lived helping others and not making others' lives miserable or unlivable. May all our wrong doings, whether intentional or unintentional, be forgiven before the angel of death knocks on our door.