Q: "What is the difference between the
evil eye and envy and how do we protect ourselves from them?"
A: "There is no practical difference , but the origin of the evil eye is
from envy, that is because the one who causes the evil eye - and we seek refuge
in Allaah سُبحانه وتعالى - has in his heart envy for the servants of Allaah
and he does not love any good for anyone. If therefore he sees something from a
person that pleases him and he is envious then this emotion emanates from him
and afflicts the individual he envies, and that is why Allaah سُبحانه
وتعالى
said, “…
And from the evil of the envier when he envies."
As for protection from the
evil of the envier and the evil eye:
1 - Trust and dependence in Allaah سُبحانه
وتعالى,
and that a person does not turn to these affairs and give them importance and
concern, rather he shuns away from them.
2 - Using the beneficial supplications
mentioned in the Qur'aan and Sunnah for they are the best of protection for a
person, just like what has been authenticated from the Prophet صلّى اللَّهُ عليه وسلّم regarding
Ayat ul-Kursee and that the one who recites it at night then there will not
cease to be a protector upon him and Shaytaan will not approach him until he
awakens in the morning.