The Sickness of Envy and Rivalry within Today’s Society

Farhana Rakshand

There was a time when human relationships were built on affection, humility, and genuine concern for one another. Today, however, a frightening trend has taken hold of people’s minds. Envy and a constant urge to surpass others have crept so deeply into our society that they have begun eroding the very foundations of mental and emotional well-being.

It is difficult to understand why so many individuals feel satisfied only when they are competing, comparing, or proving themselves superior. Whether it is in small personal matters, material achievements, or the larger contest of life, satisfaction seems to lie not in growth but in surpassing someone else. Success, once associated with purpose and hard work, is now often pursued merely to signal that one is ahead, more capable, or simply better than others.

The disconcerting part is that this mentality no longer remains confined to strangers. It has found a permanent place within homes. Brothers and sisters, husbands and wives, and extended families are often caught in subtle yet exhausting battles of dominance. But for all the effort put into winning these invisible wars, what lies beyond victory? What meaningful outcome emerges after proving oneself right or superior? Sadly, belittling others has been redefined as “self-respect,” and looking down on others is being mistaken for “self-love.” Such ideas are not only flawed but deeply damaging.

Acts of kindness are increasingly labelled as interference. Offering help is viewed as weakness. The difference between yesterday and today is stark: earlier people competed with the outside world; now the competition resides within the same household. Siblings, cousins, relatives — each try to outshine one another, often, without realizing that such rivalry only weakens the very relationships meant to support them.

We were taught by our prophets that humanity flourishes through compassion, that no person should feel alone, and that helping one another strengthens society. Instead, greed has spread its roots deeper into society. While not everyone can afford to exhibit physical aggression, verbal aggression has become a common weapon. Since society restricts people from attacking one another openly, they have begun using words as their weapon — a way to target those they dislike or to display their abhorrence, which often stems from jealousy and competition. A single negative remark travels through an entire family like an arrow. Words, once used to comfort, now often injure. In the noise of accusations and retellings, the essence of kindness is forgotten — whether in blood relations or relations built purely on humanity.

Many continue to believe that success brings happiness. Yet true happiness lies in a peaceful soul, not in nourishing toxic emotions. Emotions rise and fade, but qualities like love, empathy, and compassion are attributes that define a person’s character. Without them, the difference between humans and animals becomes blurred. Animals do not experience envy; their aggression is driven by survival or dominance; a pattern often observed in male animals. Humans, however, harbour envy without reason or necessity.

We are Ashraful Makhlooqat — the most honoured creation of God. Allah created us with dignity, yet our conduct often reflects something far inferior. In many instances, our behaviour sinks below even the instincts of animals. Can we not strive to become true humans again? Can we not avoid bringing regret to the One who fashioned us with honour?

Another truth often goes unnoticed: when people chase success solely to display it to others, they never foresee what follows. Suppose one achieves everything, surpassing everyone along the way — what next? Still, they are not so-called happy. They still feel something missing in their lives because no amount of material gain brings peace— a truth known for centuries. The emptiness of the victory is rarely considered.

Whenever hardship touches us, our hearts instinctively turn towards God. Trials are not sent to crush; they are sent to soften. They teach humility — towards ourselves and towards others. Those who walk with gentleness and reliance on God emerge with resilience rather than bitterness. They endure storms with honour and rise without harming anyone in their path.

In a society drowning in rivalry and choked by envy, the need for introspection is urgent. If this continues unchecked, hearts will calcify, families will fracture, and humanity will lose its fragrance. But if we choose compassion over competition and humility over pride, there is still time to restore what is slipping away.

The real question is simple:
Do we want to win against our own people, or do we want to remain human?

Language Educator & Writer
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