“Ajn al-hasad (عين الحسد) is an Arabic term that translates to “the eye of envy” or “the envious eye.”
In Islamic tradition and many cultures, it refers to the concept of the evil eye, which is the belief that negative energy or harm can be transmitted through an envious or admiring gaze.
Ajn (عين): This Arabic word means “eye.” In this context, it signifies the act of looking or gazing.
Al-hasad (الحسد): This Arabic word means “envy” or “jealousy.” It refers to the feeling of discontent or resentment towards someone else’s blessings or good fortune.
Some scholars differentiate between:
Al-Ayn (العين): The general term for the evil eye, which could stem from admiration without ill intent.
Al-Hasad (الحسد): The envious eye, originating from ill will and the desire for the other person’s blessings to be removed.
In essence, when someone speaks of ajn al-hasad, they are often emphasizing the malicious intent or the feeling of envy behind the act of casting the evil eye.
The term ʻAyn al-Hasad refers to the concept of the evil eye in Islamic tradition. It is the belief that envy or jealousy from others can cause harm or misfortune to the person being envied. Many cultures have similar beliefs, but in Islam, it is considered a real phenomenon, and there are prayers and protective measures to guard against it.
The idea is that when someone looks at another with envy, their gaze can unintentionally bring negative effects. To protect oneself, people often recite specific verses from the Quran, such as Surah Al-Falaq and Surah An-Nas, and some wear talismans or symbols believed to ward off the evil eye.
