Is the evil eye real, and how is it different from envy (ḥasad)?

Yes — the Prophet (ṣallallāhu ʿalayhi wa sallam) stated plainly, "The evil eye is real," and Allah commands us to seek refuge "from the evil of an envier when he envies" (113:5), so denying it outright contradicts clear texts; it occurs only by Allah's decree, and belief in it must never lead to superstition, prohibited amulets, or accusing people without evidence. Ḥasad is the blameworthy wish that a blessing be removed from another, and the Prophet said, "Do not envy one another, do not inflate prices against one another, do not hate one another…" The praiseworthy alternative is ghibṭah — wishing the same good for yourself without wanting it taken from anyone — as in his words, "There is no envy except in two cases: a man whom Allah has given wealth and he spends it rightly, and a man whom Allah has given wisdom by which he judges and teaches it." Protection is through the legislated means: the morning and evening adhkār, Sūrat al-Falaq and al-Nās, ruqyah with the Qurʾān, and asking Allah to bless what pleases you when you see it.

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