The Sickness of Envy and Rivalry in Modern Society
Farhana Rakshand
Srinagar, May 29 (PTK Opinion): There was a time when human relationships were built on affection, humility and genuine concern for one another. Families stood together through hardship, neighbours celebrated each other’s successes and kindness was considered a virtue. Today, however, a troubling transformation has taken hold of society. Envy and unhealthy competition have become deeply rooted in our daily lives, gradually eroding the foundations of emotional well-being, social harmony and human connection.
Many people seem unable to find satisfaction unless they are comparing themselves with others or proving their superiority. Whether it is wealth, status, achievements or social standing, success is increasingly measured not by personal growth but by being ahead of someone else. What was once a journey of self-improvement has become a race for validation.
More concerning is the fact that this mindset no longer remains limited to strangers or professional rivals. It has entered our homes. Brothers and sisters, husbands and wives, cousins and relatives often find themselves trapped in silent competitions and subtle struggles for dominance. Yet one must ask: what is truly gained after winning these invisible battles? What lasting happiness comes from proving oneself superior to those who should be our greatest source of support?
Sadly, society has begun to confuse arrogance with self-respect and selfishness with self-love. Belittling others is often justified as confidence, while genuine humility is mistaken for weakness. Acts of kindness are increasingly viewed as interference, and helping others is sometimes interpreted as vulnerability rather than strength.
The contrast between past and present is striking. Earlier generations competed with the challenges of the outside world. Today, competition often exists within the same household. Instead of standing together, many families find themselves divided by jealousy, comparison and resentment. Such rivalries weaken the very relationships that are meant to provide comfort and stability.
The teachings of the Prophets emphasized compassion, mercy and mutual support. They taught that no person should feel abandoned and that helping one another strengthens society. Yet greed and self-interest have increasingly replaced these values. Since society restricts physical aggression, many people resort to verbal aggression. Words have become weapons used to wound, humiliate and undermine others. A single negative remark can travel through families and communities, leaving scars far deeper than many realize.
Many continue to believe that success alone brings happiness. However, true happiness does not come from achievements alone; it comes from inner peace. Wealth, status and recognition may satisfy temporary desires, but they cannot heal a restless soul. Love, empathy and compassion are not fleeting emotions; they are enduring qualities that define character.
As Ashraful Makhlooqat—the most honoured creation of Allah—we have been granted dignity, intellect and moral responsibility. Yet our behaviour sometimes falls below the standards of the very creatures we consider lesser than ourselves. Animals compete for survival. Humans, however, often nurture envy without necessity, reason or benefit.
Those who pursue success solely to display it to others rarely find contentment. Even after surpassing everyone around them, they discover an emptiness that achievements cannot fill. Material success may provide comfort, but it cannot provide meaning. The satisfaction they seek remains elusive because peace is not found in possessing more; it is found in appreciating what truly matters.
Hardships and trials carry important lessons. Whenever difficulties arise, people instinctively turn towards God. Challenges are not sent to destroy us but to soften our hearts, teach humility and remind us of our dependence on the Creator. Those who face adversity with patience and faith emerge stronger, wiser and more compassionate.
Today, society stands at a crossroads. If envy and rivalry continue unchecked, families will fracture, relationships will weaken and humanity will lose much of its beauty. But if we choose compassion over competition, gratitude over jealousy and humility over pride, there is still hope to restore what is slowly slipping away.
The question before us is simple yet profound:
Do we want to spend our lives defeating our own people, or do we want to remain truly human?
(PTK Opinion)
