Is it haram to feel jealous of other people?
No, a passing feeling of jealousy isn't haram. It's a normal human emotion, and you aren't punished for feelings you didn't choose. What Islam forbids is acting on envy: wishing someone loses their blessing, speaking badly about them or trying to harm them. Wanting something good for yourself, without wanting it taken from them, is even praised.
Feeling vs. acting
Scholars distinguish between two things:
- Hasad (blameworthy envy): wishing that someone loses what they have, or resenting Allah for giving it to them. Nurturing this and acting on it is sinful.
- Ghibtah (healthy admiration): seeing someone's blessing and wishing you had something similar, while being happy for them. This is allowed.
The Prophet ﷺ said there should be no such wishing except in two cases: a person Allah gave wealth who spends it well, and a person Allah gave wisdom who acts on it and teaches it (Sahih al-Bukhari 73). Scholars explain this as praiseworthy ghibtah: wanting the same good, not wanting theirs to disappear.
A flash of envy that you dislike and push away isn't counted against you. Islam judges what you choose to do with it.
What Islam asks of you
The Prophet ﷺ said: "Do not hate one another, and do not be jealous of one another... Be brothers" (Sahih al-Bukhari 6065). He also said that none of you truly believes until he wishes for his brother what he likes for himself (Sahih al-Bukhari 13).
The same verse ends by telling you to "ask Allah of His bounty." So instead of staring at someone else's life, take the wish straight to Allah. See Can I make dua for worldly things like a job or a car?
How to ease jealousy
- Look at those with less: the Prophet ﷺ advised that when you see someone above you in wealth or looks, you should also look at someone below you (Sahih Muslim 2963).
- Make dua for them: asking Allah to bless the person you envy is one of the fastest ways to soften your heart.
- Say "Masha'Allah": it's a habit of acknowledging that every blessing comes from Allah.
- Cut the triggers: curated social media feeds are made to spark comparison. See How do I deal with social media addiction as a Muslim?
- Count your own blessings: write down three things you're grateful for each night.
When envy keeps coming back
If jealousy constantly eats at you, it may be tied to low self-esteem, insecurity in a relationship or past hurt. Talking it through with a trusted friend, imam or therapist can help you understand where it comes from.
- A passing feeling of jealousy isn't a sin.
- Wishing someone loses a blessing is the blameworthy kind.
- Wanting similar good for yourself is allowed.
- Dua for the other person softens the heart.
People also ask
Will Allah punish me for my intrusive thoughts?
No. Allah doesn't punish unwanted thoughts you don't act on or say, even blasphemous ones. Hating them is a sign of faith.
Read the full answer →What is waswas and how do I deal with it?
Waswas means nagging doubts about wudu, prayer or purity that push you to repeat acts. Seek refuge in Allah, ignore it, don't repeat.
Read the full answer →How do I cope with a breakup as a Muslim?
Let yourself hurt, go no-contact where you can, and trust Allah may be protecting you. Islam offers comfort and hope for better.
Read the full answer →How do I deal with grief as a Muslim?
Let yourself grieve and turn to Allah. Crying isn't weak faith: the Prophet wept for his son. Lean on others and say the dua of loss.
Read the full answer →How do I deal with insomnia as a Muslim?
Combine the Prophet's bedtime Sunnah with good sleep habits: wudu, the right side, bedtime dua. See a doctor if insomnia lasts.
Read the full answer →