The evil eye, or al-ayn in Arabic, is a term used to describe misfortune that is transmitted from one person to another out of jealousy or envy. It is believed by many Muslims to be real, and some incorporate specific practices in order to protect themselves or their loved ones from its effects. The evil eye is like an arrow which comes from the soul of the one who envies and the one who puts the evil eye on another towards the one who is envied and on whom the evil eye is put; sometimes it hits him and sometimes it misses. The harm caused by the evil eye can manifest as sickness, loss of wealth or family, or can even result in death. The Prophet Muhammad confirmed that the evil eye, borne by jealousy or envy, is real and capable of causing harm or misfortune. The use of charms to ward off the evil eye is relatively common in some Middle Eastern and North African countries, but Islam explicitly prohibits this. Instead, Muslims protect themselves through acts of worship and by seeking refuge with Allah from the envier. The last three surahs of the Quran are considered the strongest protection against envy, evil eye, magic, and jinn, and it is Sunnah to read them at specific times.