Al-Falaq: (5) And from the evil of the envier when he envies.

It is well-known that the envier (Hāsid) is one whose intense desire is for the removal of another's blessing towards himself.

He would hardly refrain from acting upon this desire, even if he could achieve it through trickery. Therefore, Allah commanded seeking refuge from him.

This Surah encompasses every evil from which one seeks refuge and protection, both in matters of religion and worldly affairs. This is why the Messenger of Allah (peace and blessings be upon him) rejoiced when this Surah, along with the following one, was revealed, as they collectively provide means of seeking refuge from all matters.

Alternatively, the "evil of the envier" could refer to his sin and the ugliness of his state when he harbors envy and manifests its effect.

Two questions remain here:

The statement, {From the evil of all that He has created} (referring to verse 2), is general, encompassing everything from which refuge is sought. What is the meaning of subsequently seeking refuge specifically from the darkness of night (al-ghāsiq), the blowers (al-naffāthāt), and the envier (al-hāsid)?

Answer: This is to draw attention to the fact that these specific evils are the greatest types of evil.

Why were some of the things from which refuge is sought definite (with al-), while others were indefinite (without al-)?

Answer: The al- is used for the blowers (al-naffāthāt) because every blower is inherently evil. However, the darkness of night (ghāsiq) is indefinite because not every darkness is evil. Similarly, the envier (hāsid) is indefinite because not every envier is evil; rather, there is a praiseworthy form of envy, which is envy concerning good deeds (i.e., wishing for the same good fortune without desiring its removal from the other person).

And Allah, the Glorified and Exalted, knows best. May Allah send blessings upon our Master Muhammad, his family, and his companions, and grant them peace.