“The Envious One Is Madly in Love with Their Desires! Qad Shaghafahā Ḥubban!
So Much That Their Inner Eye Goes Blind!”

This verse, spoken by the women of Egypt about Zuleikha’s obsession with Prophet Yusuf (Joseph), reveals a deeper truth:
Envy is an intense, excessive attachment to one’s unfulfilled desires.

The Arabic word “shaghaf” refers to the inner lining of the heart — the place where our deepest emotions reside.
In the Qur’anic context, this word illustrates how Zuleikha’s obsessive love consumed her heart, clouding her judgment and subverting her reason.

According to a narration from Imam al-Baqir (peace be upon him):
“The meaning of ‘qad shaghafahā ḥubban’ is that her love for Yusuf veiled her from all others —
She could comprehend nothing but him.
‘Shaghaf’ is the very veil that covers the heart.”

In other words, envy and obsessive longing act like a curtain over the heart, preventing it from perceiving truth and experiencing peace.

The envious person is always in a state of internal conflict:
they crave, they compare, they resent — and they suffer.
It’s as though they are trapped in a cycle of yearning and torment,
unable to see the light of divine contentment and wisdom.

This blinding attachment destroys clarity,
leading to impulsive, irrational behavior —
just like Zuleikha, who fell in love, lost her reason,
and schemed against a prophet of God.

The Flaw of Envy Isn’t About Others — It’s About the Void Within Ourselves.

Until we heal from this internal sickness, our hearts will remain blind.

But the remedy is clear:
Let go of empty cravings.
Attach your heart to divine light.
Learn from Yusuf — the one whose heart was filled with light, purity, and patience.
He never envied anyone — and thus, his vision remained clear.
He not only saw with insight — he helped others see as well.
“Whoever drinks from the light of Yusuf will never go blind —
because they become truly enlightened.”