Ain is a phenomenon recognized in Islam as something real that can cause harm. This phenomenon describes how feelings of admiration or envy accompanying the gaze of the eyes can cause pain to others, which can even reach dangerous levels. In everyday life, we sometimes hear stories of people who suddenly fall ill for no apparent reason, or experience misfortune after receiving excessive praise. Islam teaches that this could be the influence of ain. Therefore, understanding the meaning of ain, the arguments behind it, and how to protect oneself from the dangers of ain is part of a Muslim’s faith.
Ain Is a Real Phenomenon According to the Quran and Hadith
Friends, the Quran mentions in Surah Al-Qalam verse 51 that the gaze of the eyes can have a negative impact. Allah says, “Indeed, those who disbelieve would almost trip you up with their eyes when they hear the Quran and say, ‘Indeed, he (Prophet Muhammad) is truly insane.’”
According to the interpretation of Al-Muyassar, this verse explains that when the disbelievers heard the verses of the Quran, their hatred for the Prophet Muhammad was so strong that their gaze almost caused harm or the evil eye. However, Allah protected the Prophet from this danger. In addition, the disbelievers accused the Prophet Muhammad of being insane, an accusation born of lust and malice, not from the truth. Scholars of exegesis explain that this verse is one of the proofs of the existence of the evil eye, which can harm a person with Allah’s permission.
The Prophet Muhammad also confirmed the existence of the evil eye in his saying, “The evil eye is real! If anything could precede destiny, it would be the evil eye” (HR. Muslim No. 2188).
This hadith confirms that the influence of the evil eye can be so strong that it can cause extraordinary effects. Therefore, we need to be careful in what we say and do, and always seek Allah’s protection so that we do not receive the evil eye.
The Cause of Ain is Admiration or Envy Without Remembrance
One of the famous stories about ain is the incident that befell a companion of the Prophet named Sahl bin Hunaif. At that time, Amir bin Rabi’ah saw Sahl bathing and praised his fair skin. Shortly thereafter, Sahl fell ill. The Prophet Muhammad reprimanded Amir and told him to perform wudu, then use the water to wash Sahl’s body. With Allah’s permission, Sahl recovered from his illness.
From the story of Sahl bin Hunaif, we can learn that ain can arise from admiration that is not accompanied by prayers for blessings, as well as from excessive jealousy. The Prophet (pbuh) taught that whenever we see something that makes us admire, whether in ourselves or others, we should say a prayer of blessing such as “Allahumma baarik ‘alaih” or “Masha’Allah laa quwwata illa billah.” This phrase is a form of remembrance that protects others from unintentional negative views.
Read also: Brain Rot and Islamic Lifestyle: Maintaining Mental and Spiritual Health
The Impact of Ain Can Cause Pain and Endanger Life
The danger of ain should not be underestimated. The Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him) said that the influence of ain can cause various forms of pain and can even be one of the causes of death other than what Allah has decreed. In a hadith narrated by Imam Al-Bazaar, it is written: From Jabir bin Abdillah (may Allah be pleased with him) the Prophet Shallallahu’alaihi Wasallam said, “The most common cause of death among my people after Allah’s destiny is the evil eye” (HR. Al Bazzar in Kasyful Astar [3/ 404], authenticated by Al Albani in Shahih Al Jami’ no.1206).
The scholars added that the evil eye does not only affect the human body, but can also affect animals or even objects. Ibn Qayyim explained in his book that the influence of the evil eye can damage anything that is the object of admiration or hatred. This shows that the evil eye is a supernatural phenomenon that has a wide impact and cannot be taken lightly.
“Why, when you enter your garden, do you not say, ‘MaasyaAllah, laa quwwata illaa billaah’ (truly, this is all Allah’s will. There is no power except with [the help of] Allah). If you consider my wealth and offspring to be less than yours” (QS. Al-Kahf verse 39).
How to protect yourself from the dangers of the evil eye
Islam provides clear guidance on how to protect yourself from the influence of the evil eye. One way is to increase your remembrance of Allah and your prayers. When we see something amazing, whether in ourselves or others, we are encouraged to pray for blessings so that it does not have a negative impact. Simple phrases such as “asyaAllah, laa quwwata illa billah” or “Allahumma baarik ‘alaih” can serve as a protective shield.
How to Protect Yourself from Ain is by Reciting the Prophet’s Prayer
In addition, the Prophet Muhammad also gave an example of a prayer of protection that was recited for his grandsons Hasan and Hussein, “I seek protection for you both with the perfect words of Allah from all demons, venomous animals, and from every eye that brings evil (ain)” (HR. Abu Dawud and At-Tirmidzi).
أَعُوذُ بِكَلِمَاتِ اللهِ التَّامَّةِ مِنْ كُلِّ شَيْطَانٍ وَهَامَّةٍ وَمِنْ كُلِّ عَيْنٍ لَامَّةٍ
Meaning: “I seek refuge in the perfect words of Allah from all devils, poisonous animals, and harmful ‘Ain” (HR al-Bukhari).
We can practice the Prophet’s prayer for his grandson to protect ourselves and our beloved fellow Muslims. Not only should we pray for prevention, but we also need to pray when we accidentally look at something with admiration or envy. The Prophet said, “If one of you sees something amazing in his brother, then pray for blessings for him, because the evil eye is real” (HR. An Nasa’i No. 10872, authenticated by Al-Albani in Shahih An Nasa’i).
Overcoming the Evil Eye with Ruqyah
In addition to the above prayer, ruqyah is also one of the recommended ways to overcome the influence of the evil eye. From Aisha, she said, “In the past, the Prophet Shallallahu’alaihi Wasallam asked me to perform ruqyah to cure the evil eye” (HR. Muslim No. 2195). Ruqyah is a simple form of therapy taught by the Prophet, which is based on faith in Allah.
Preventing Ain by Giving Alms
Ain is a form of calamity that comes with Allah’s permission, so increasing righteous deeds such as zikr, prayer, and giving alms can be a form of seeking protection. Charity can ward off calamities, as explained in a hadith narrated by Imam Al Baihaqi, which reads, “Hurry to give charity, for indeed calamities cannot overcome charity” (HR. Al Baihaqi no. 7831). It is also narrated in a hadith by Imam Bukhari and Muslim which reads, “Charity can prevent bad death” (HR. Bukhari and Muslim). Therefore, increasing charity can also protect us from the dangers of the evil eye.
Read also: Charity Wards Off Calamities and Disasters in Human Life
Responding to the Phenomenon of the Evil Eye Wisely
Even though the evil eye is a real phenomenon, it does not mean that we have to live in excessive fear. On the contrary, Islam teaches us to face the evil eye with faith, prayer, guarding our hearts, and increasing charity. Avoiding feelings of envy, not being excessive in praise, getting used to reciting zikr, and giving charity are simple steps that we can take every day. Awareness of the existence of ain teaches us to always be grateful and humble. Every blessing we have is a gift from Allah, and every admiration we feel for others should be a motivation to pray, not to feel envy. In this way, we not only protect ourselves, but also help protect our brothers and sisters from potential unseen dangers.
