The scholars of Islam have explained the reality of the evil eye, its origin and how it can affect a person. Their explanations provide further insight into how the evil eye arises and the role of envy and admiration in causing harm.
Ibn Al-Qayyim said:
The origin of the evil eye is taking a liking to something, then the evil soul follows it, pursues it and seeks to do harm to it, seeking help to apply its poison by looking at the object.
Ibn Manzoor has said:
It is said "So-and-so was struck by the evil eye" if an enemy or an envious person looks at him and he is affected by that and becomes sick as a result.
Al-Hafiz ibn Hajar has said:
What is meant by the evil eye is looking at something with admiration contaminated with envy from one who is evil in nature so it results in harm.