In the course of life, we often find ourselves surrounded by people experiencing both triumphs and struggles. Yet, human nature frequently leads us to compare our lives with theirs, sometimes judging, gossiping, or harboring envy and jealousy. These emotions, though subtle, consume much of our energy and damage our inner peace. No religion encourages such comparisons or backbiting, yet we indulge in them almost habitually.
The Quran, in its wisdom, warns against these tendencies. In Surah Al-Hujurat, verse 12, we are reminded: “O you who have believed, avoid much suspicion. Indeed, some suspicion is sin. And do not spy or backbite each other.” This profound verse urges us to refrain from making assumptions, gossiping, or judging others without truly understanding their circumstances. Such actions not only harm others but corrode our character and soul.
Why do envy and jealousy arise? The root of these feelings often lies in a lack of gratitude. When we feel unsettled or dissatisfied with our own lives, the success of others becomes a source of discomfort rather than inspiration. Instead of appreciating the blessings we already have, we focus on what we don’t, allowing negativity to cloud our perspective. This mindset leads to harmful comparisons, where we measure ourselves against others and feel inadequate. However, these feelings are not caused by others’ successes but by our inability to see our worth and take inspiration from their achievements.
Gratitude is the antidote to envy. When we focus on the blessings we have and genuinely appreciate them, a sense of peace naturally follows. By shifting our energy from comparisons to meaningful goals, we can find contentment and personal growth. It’s about replacing negativity with positivity, about learning from others rather than resenting them.
Backbiting, another destructive habit, slowly erodes our humanity. When we speak ill of others behind their backs, we expose not their flaws but our own insecurities. The Quran warns strongly against this behavior in Surah Al-Hujurat, verse 11: “O you who have believed, let not a people ridicule [another] people; perhaps they may be better than them. And do not defame one another and do not insult one another by nicknames. Woe to the one who backbites and slanders.”
Backbiting is being blatantly done these days. In today’s world, no one cares about others and they openly go around saying bad things behind their back. It spreads enmity between two people and gradually in the whole society.
Actually, when a person backbites, it is his image that falls in front of others, and he cannot be friends with the person he was talking maliciously about. In all cultures and religions, backbiting is considered a wrong practice and disapproved of. In Islam, backbiting is prohibited.
Gossiping about someone does little to harm them—it merely tarnishes our character. Instead of engaging in such behavior, the right approach is to address concerns directly with the person involved. This fosters openness, strengthens relationships, and reflects a mature, compassionate personality.
It’s important to distinguish between harmful comparisons and positive inspiration. While envy can lead to destructive thoughts and behaviors, healthy comparisons can encourage growth. Drawing inspiration from others’ successes can motivate us to improve ourselves while celebrating their achievements. This fosters a culture of encouragement and mutual progress rather than resentment.
The tendency to compare and judge often stems from a lack of purpose or direction in life. Those who are focused on personal growth seldom indulge in such negativity. They understand the value of learning from their mistakes, working hard, and staying committed to their own goals.
Transforming envy into inspiration and judgment into understanding is a choice we must actively make. By focusing on our growth and channeling our energy into meaningful pursuits, we can find fulfillment and peace. Life isn’t about tearing others down or competing in toxic ways—it’s about building ourselves up, celebrating others’ successes, and striving to become the best version of ourselves.
The wisdom of the Quran reminds us to look inward and nurture gratitude, kindness, and humility. Only by doing so can we overcome the destructive nature of envy, jealousy, and backbiting, and create a life filled with positivity and purpose.
The author can be mailed at Zuhaashai99@gmail.com
