Surah Al-Falaq / Verse 5

Surah Al-Falaq ends by teaching us to seek refuge from the evil of envy. After referring to dangers in the world around us, the darkness of night and sorcery, the surah now highlights a possible source of harm within the human heart—one that can threaten others when it takes hold of a person's behaviour.

Envy (hasad) is not merely noticing someone's blessings or wishing that we, too, could enjoy something similar. It arises when we resent another person's good fortune and wish for that blessing to be taken away, whether or not we ourselves would gain it. This differs from a constructive wish to develop our own knowledge, success or abilities without wanting anyone else to lose theirs.

Why does the verse add “when they envy”? This qualification draws attention to the time when envy becomes active and its effects appear. Inner resentment may develop into slander, unfounded accusations, obstruction, damage to someone's reputation or attempts to deprive another person of a good they enjoy. The harm is particularly clear when someone yields to that feeling and turns it into damaging speech or conduct.

We should not conclude that merely experiencing an unpleasant feeling proves a person will harm someone. People can recognise envy within themselves, resist it and prevent it from turning into injustice. Nor should every problem faced by someone successful or well liked be blamed on the envy of others. The verse teaches us to seek protection from harm, not to suspect or accuse those around us without evidence.

It also invites us to look honestly at ourselves. Are we pleased when others receive good things, or does their success trouble us? Just as we seek protection from others' ill will, we must guard against becoming a source of harm ourselves. Wanting to improve our lives becomes a healthier ambition when joined with goodwill and respect for other people's rights.

The surah began by teaching us to seek refuge in the “Lord of daybreak”. It then named dangers that may reach us from outside and others that arise from human motives and actions. The final verse reminds us that seeking God's protection is not merely a prayer to be spared the evil of others; it is also an invitation to ensure that we ourselves do not become a source of evil for them.