Envy

In the Seekers Hub online course “Being Muslim,” Ustad Asad Tarsin made the profound statement that envy is “the opinion that God does not know how to apportion His blessings.”

The central role that God plays in this description of envy indicates that envy is a symptom of a lack of faith and nearness to God. Therefore, a sure way to cure envy is to strengthen one’s remembrance of and faith in God. One should reflect on the fact that God cares about His creation more than a mother cares for her child. God wants the best for you and you are special to Him. Envy is a symptom of self-conceit. One is so focused on oneself that one feels everything should revolve around one – one should have that job, or be that popular person, or have that reputation. In contrast, when the focus is on God, that job, that popularity, or that reputation cease being important. What we want is to be special to God, and we can be special simply by being content with how things are and doing the basics of worship.

Often when we see others being granted joy in the form of a beautiful spouse, well behaved children, a successful career we feel left out. “Why not me?” is a question that pops out. “Why can’t I be successful?” This questioning leads to the thought “I wish so-and-so didn’t have that job” or “I wish so-and-so wasn’t popular.” But the reality is that we are never left out. Every individual is in the movie that is life. The director of the movie, God, has decreed for us a role unique to us. Whether that be a millionaire living it up or a homeless beggar. Whether it be a popular speaker or an unknown hermit.

The movie of life has many actors. However, the main actor is God. When we realise this, we’ll accept our roles as supporting actors. It won’t matter how minimal the role is because we’ll be happy just being in the movie.