What do I say to avoid the evil eye when I like something?
Yes, pray for blessing on it: say something like "Barakallahu fik" (may Allah bless you) or "Allahumma barik." The Prophet ﷺ told a Companion that when he sees something he likes, he should pray for blessing for it. Many Muslims also say "Masha'Allah, la quwwata illa billah" (what Allah willed; there is no power except in Allah), taken from the Quran.
What the Prophet ﷺ taught
A Companion named Amir saw Sahl bathing and said he had never seen such beautiful skin, and Sahl collapsed. The Prophet ﷺ asked, "Why would anyone of you kill his brother? If he sees something that he likes, then let him pray for blessing for him" (Sunan Ibn Majah 3509). He then had Amir wash with water for Sahl.
So the core sunnah is simple: when you admire someone's baby, new car, haircut or success, turn the admiration into a dua. The exact words aren't fixed. Common phrases are:
- Barakallahu fik: "May Allah bless you" (to the person).
- Allahumma barik lahu / laha: "O Allah, bless him / her."
- Masha'Allah: "What Allah willed," acknowledging that it came from Allah.
Where "Masha'Allah" comes from
In Surah al-Kahf, a believer tells a proud garden owner what he should have said when he entered his garden. Saying it reminds you that every good thing is Allah's gift, which cuts out the envy and arrogance that can sit behind a look.
Is the evil eye real?
Yes, in Islamic belief. The Prophet ﷺ said, "The influence of an evil eye is a fact" (Sahih Muslim 2188), and he ordered ruqyah for it (Sahih al-Bukhari 5738). It can come even from someone who loves you and doesn't mean harm, which is why saying a blessing is a good habit for everyone.
But it shouldn't become a fear that runs your life. Not every illness, breakup or bad day is the evil eye. Blue "nazar" beads and charms aren't part of Islam; protection comes from Allah. Your daily shield is the morning and evening adhkar. See What are the morning and evening adhkar? and What is ruqyah and can I do it myself?
A few practical habits
- Compliment with a blessing: "That's beautiful, masha'Allah, barakallahu fik."
- On social media: comment "Masha'Allah" or "Barakallahu fik" on friends' good news.
- Be modest when sharing: some people choose not to post every blessing online. That's a personal choice, not a rule.
- When you like something, pray for blessing on it.
- "Barakallahu fik" and "Masha'Allah" are common phrases.
- The evil eye is real, but don't obsess over it.
- Adhkar and ruqyah protect; charms and beads don't.
People also ask
What do I say when I pass a graveyard?
Yes, say "As-salamu 'alaykum ahlad-diyar minal-mu'minina wal-muslimin" and pray for the dead. Here's the full meaning and etiquette.
Read the full answer →What dua do I say when it rains?
Yes, say "Allahumma sayyiban nafi'an" when it rains, and "Mutirna bi fadlillahi wa rahmatih" after. Plus a dua for heavy rain.
Read the full answer →Can I read my duas from my phone or a paper?
Yes, outside prayer you can read duas from a phone, book or paper. Inside salah, use memorized duas; schools differ on reading.
Read the full answer →How do I send salawat on the Prophet?
Yes, it's easy: say "Sallallahu 'alayhi wa sallam" when his name is mentioned. The full Ibrahimiyyah form is said in prayer.
Read the full answer →Can I ask other people to make dua for me?
Yes, asking a living person to pray for you is allowed; the Companions asked the Prophet for dua. Keep making your own dua to Allah too.
Read the full answer →