Q&A Home > E > Evil Eye

Is the "evil eye" real? Everyone I know keeps talking about the evil eye and how to not say certain things or else someone may give you the evil eye. Is this true? If so, how can I protect myself from the evil eye?

"A man with an evil eye hastens after riches, and does not consider that poverty will come upon him" (Proverbs 28:22). The Holy Scriptures alludes to the sin of the eye regarding covetousness, envy, perversion, greed, etc. The culmination of many of these implications lead many to believe that an envious person is one with an "evil eye" who does not wish someone else the best intentions, but rather uses this negative energy to covet another's achievements, joys, or blessings. Thus, oftentimes, there is an element of an exaggerated superstitious component added to wise spiritual counsel. There is a saying in Arabic that translates to, "Guard your candle that it may aflame," which illustrates that one should not carelessly reveal all his blessings, successes, and prosperity, to protect one against the envy of others. Satan envied Job and tried to sow strife in his life to accuse him before God that he [Job] only loved God because of his prosperity. Thus, we must humbly realize that all goodness, blessings, success, and prosperity are from God and for God, exercise wisdom with humility, always have a thankful heart, and never flaunt riches or accomplishments.