How can a Muslim differentiate between afflictions resulting from envy and other afflictions, especially when unexplained events, such as accidents, illnesses, and the failure to complete tasks, occur consecutively? Is there a way to ascertain and treat envy without knowing the envious person?

Envy and the evil eye are recognized by their symptoms. The symptoms of the evil eye often manifest as physical illnesses that do not respond to medical treatment, such as joint pain, lethargy, insomnia, skin ulcers, aversion to family and society, in addition to facial pallor, distress, and heaviness in the head and shoulders. As for the symptoms of envy, they appear on one's wealth, body, and family, such as aversion to study or work, a decline in intelligence, and a tendency towards isolation.

The method of treatment for both is through ruqyah (Islamic exorcism), such as reciting Surat Al-Fatihah, Ayatul-Kursi, the end of Surat Al-Baqarah, Surat Al-Ikhlas, and the two Mu'awwidhatayn (Surat Al-Falaq and Surat An-Nas), as well as some prophetic supplications. These verses and supplications are recited directly over the patient or over water for them to drink and bathe with. If the person who cast the evil eye is known, they are commanded to perform ghusl (ritual bath) or wudu (ablution) for the afflicted person to wash with their water.