With Muslim families, you must say "mashallah" with every compliment lest someone think you are jealous and have the evil eye. Whereas in some cultures talismans, such as the popular Turkish Nazar, are used as defence against the eye, in the region it is held that Allah is the only protector against its evil.

What does Allah say about evil eye?

The Verse of Evil Eye (Arabic: آیه وَإِن يَكَادُ‎) is verse 51 and 52 of Al-Qalam (Q68:51-52) in the Quran. It is usually recited for protection from the evil eye. It states: "And indeed, those who disbelieve would almost make you slip with their eyes when they hear the message, and they say: Indeed, he is mad.

Is it OK to say Mashallah?

"Masha Allah" can be used to congratulate someone. It is a reminder that although the person is being congratulated, ultimately God willed it. In some cultures, people may utter Masha Allah in the belief that it may help protect them from jealousy, the evil eye or a jinn.