Have you ever looked at someone and immediately formed an opinion about them because of their appearance, clothing, background or behaviour?
Perhaps you assumed that someone was proud because they did not greet you. Maybe you laughed at a classmate because they made a mistake, or you believed a rumour about someone without hearing their side of the story.
As Muslims, we must learn to be careful about how we judge others. What we see is not always the full story.
YOU DO NOT KNOW EVERYTHING ABOUT SOMEONE
A person who appears unfriendly may be going through a difficult time. Someone who struggles academically may be dealing with challenges you know nothing about. A person who has made a mistake may be sincerely trying to change.
This does not mean we should ignore harmful behaviour or pretend that wrong actions are right. It means we should avoid making unfair assumptions about people’s intentions, character or entire lives based on limited information.
Allah warns us against suspicion, spying and backbiting.
Allah says:
“O you who have believed, avoid much [negative] assumption. Indeed, some assumption is sin. And do not spy or backbite each other…” Qur’an 49:12
This verse reminds us that our thoughts and words about others matter.
DO NOT TURN ONE MISTAKE INTO SOMEONE’S IDENTITY
Everyone makes mistakes. If someone does something wrong, it does not automatically mean that every part of their character is bad.
Correcting a mistake is different from humiliating a person. You can disagree with someone’s actions without insulting them or spreading their private matters.
Remember that you, too, need Allah’s mercy and guidance. Do not behave as though you have never made a mistake.
VERIFY BEFORE YOU BELIEVE A STORY
Sometimes, people judge others based on gossip, screenshots, short videos or stories shared on social media. They form opinions without checking whether the information is complete or true.
As a Muslim, do not allow yourself to become part of injustice simply because a story is popular.
If you do not know the facts, avoid spreading the story. If someone is being harmed, seek a responsible way to help rather than joining the crowd.
HOW CAN YOU PRACTISE THIS?
* Give people a fair chance before forming an opinion.
* Avoid spreading rumours about others.
* Correct people respectfully when necessary.
* Remember that you may not know what someone is experiencing.
* Distinguish between addressing harmful behaviour and insulting someone’s character.
* Ask Allah to help you develop humility and good character.
HEART CHECK
You are not required to approve of everything people do. However, you are responsible for your own words, assumptions and behaviour.
Before judging someone, pause and ask yourself: Do I know the full story? Am I being fair? Would I want someone to treat me this way?
Do not let a quick judgment become a lasting injustice. Have you ever judged someone without knowing the full story? What can you do differently next time?
O Allah, purify my heart from arrogance and unfair suspicion. Help me speak the truth, treat people justly and avoid judging others without knowledge. Ameen.
3SIXTYISLAM
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