An Analysis of Civilizational Vices: Focusing on Envy and Its Macro-Social Consequences in Sūrat al-Baqarah

Some spiritual illnesses are confined to the individual and do not have wider repercussions. However, many-such as envy-extend into society, polluting it and disrupting the system of human relations, thereby impeding the development of civilization. This study, using a theological approach and inferential, question-based analysis of Qur’anic verses, explores the mechanisms by which the anti-ethical element of envy expands socially and undermines civilizational order. In the Qur’an, envy-referred to as baghy-is identified as the root of aristocratic resistance to prophets, the rejection of divine laws, and the substitution of human legislation for divine ordinance. This shift results in anthropocentrism over theocentrism, the elevation of reason and experience over revelation, and the degradation of human morality and dignity on a global scale. The formation of civilization is threatened both externally and internally by envy: externally, through the envy of disbelievers toward Muslims, leading to efforts to exploit and turn them away from their faith; and internally, through the envy of believers toward each other, which breeds resentment, hatred, selfishness, and division among human groups, thereby weakening social unity and civilizational order. These effects are especially detrimental when elites of a society are afflicted by this moral vice.