Introduction
Within the teachings of Islam, there's a beautiful balance to strike between passing judgment and offering advice. This balance is rooted in the idea that only Allah, the Ar-Rahmaan and Al-Muqsit (Ar-Rahmaan is the name of Allah which means the one who loves you most and provide you complete care and protection, Al- Muqsit means the Almighty Who is fair and equitable in all His decisions and decrees, Who deals with everyone according to a system, has the ultimate authority to judge.) As Muslims, we're encouraged to approach the actions and intentions of others with gentleness and care.
Imagine these teachings as a guiding light, drawn from the wisdom of the Quran, the stories of the Prophet in the Hadiths, and the insights of scholars like Ibn Kathir. Together, they help us understand this vital aspect of our faith. We'll also touch on the thoughts of other wise Muslim scholars along the way.
Think of this journey as a path toward better understanding and compassion. Sometimes in life, we often find ourselves tempted to judge others. But have we ever paused to consider how harmful this habit can be to our own well-being and the harmony of society?.
So, as we explore these teachings, we'll discover the importance of distinguishing between judgment and advice. Islam encourages us to be advisors, not judges, and to offer our guidance with warmth and empathy. It's a reminder to be kind-hearted and understanding in our interactions, something we can all appreciate in our daily lives.
The Quran's Wise Guidance
The Quran, our guide and light, gently reminds us of the harm in passing judgment on others. In Surah Al-Hujurat (49:11), it says:
"O you who have believed, let not a people ridicule [another] people; perhaps they may be better than them; nor let women ridicule [other] women; perhaps they may be better than them. And do not insult one another and do not call each other by [offensive] nicknames. Wretched is the name [i.e., mention] of disobedience after [one's] faith. And whoever does not repent - then it is those who are the wrongdoers."
This verse advises against making fun of or looking down upon others because we may not truly know their worth. It is an invitation to withhold our judgments, recognizing that our perception may not encompass the full depth of a person's character.
Another verse from the same Surah (49:12) guides us further:
"O believers, avoid excessive suspicion, for in some cases suspicion is a sin. And do not spy on one another or speak ill of others behind their backs. Would any of you like to eat the flesh of your dead brother? You would loathe it. So, be conscious of Allah; surely Allah is Tawwab ar-Raheem (Most-Relenting, Most-Merciful)."
This verse reminds us of the seriousness of making unfounded assumptions about others and the harm it can cause.
Hadiths:
In the Hadiths, we encounter the wisdom of the beloved Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him):
1 "Avoid suspicion, for suspicion is the gravest lie in talk and do not be inquisitive about one another and do not spy upon one another and do not feel envy with one the other, and nurse no malice, and nurse no aversion and hostility against one another. And be fellow-brothers and servants of Allah."
It is a call to unity, devoid of judgment and resentment.
[Reference : Sahih Muslim 2563 a
In-book reference : Book 45, Hadith 35
USC-MSA web (English) reference : Book 32, Hadith6214 (deprecated numbering scheme)]
2 "The Prophet (ﷺ) said, 'None of you will have faith till he wishes for his (Muslim) brother what he likes for himself.' "
This Hadith radiates the golden rule of empathy, guiding us to extend the same understanding and goodwill to others that we desire for ourselves.
[Reference : Sahih al-Bukhari 13
In-book reference : Book 2, Hadith 6
USC-MSA web (English) reference : Vol. 1, Book2, Hadith 13 (deprecated numbering scheme)]
3 Hadith on Gentleness: The Prophet (ﷺ) said, "You have been sent to make things easy and not to make them difficult."
This Hadith emphasizes the importance of making the path to Islam easy for others and delivering advice and guidance with kindness and positivity.
[Reference : Sahih al-Bukhari 220
In-book reference : Book 4, Hadith 86
USC-MSA web (English) reference : Vol. 1, Book4, Hadith 219 (deprecated numbering scheme)]
4 Hadith on Covering Faults: The Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him) said, "Whoever conceals the faults of a Muslim, Allah will conceal his faults in this world and the Hereafter."
This Hadith encourages Muslims to adopt a charitable and forgiving attitude, focusing on concealing the faults of others rather than passing judgment.
[Reference : Sunnan ibn majah
English reference : Vol. 1, Book 1, Hadith 225
Arabic reference : Book 1, Hadith 230]
Understanding the Difference:
1. Judging: In Islam, passing judgment implies making harsh, negative assessments of someone's character or actions without considering their circumstances or intentions. It often involves a critical and condemning attitude that can be hurtful and counterproductive.
2. Advising: Advising, on the other hand, involves offering guidance, support, and counsel to someone with the intention of helping them improve or make better choices. It is characterized by empathy, kindness, and a genuine desire to assist.
Scholars prospective in this matter:
Sheikh Inb Kathir's approach:
1. Avoiding Negative Assumptions:Shekh Ibn Kathir underscores the Quranic guidance to avoid excessive suspicion or negative assumptions about others. This is rooted in the idea that when we assume the worst about someone without evidence, it can lead to misunderstandings, strained relationships, and even conflicts. Instead, he encourages believers to give others the benefit of the doubt and maintain a positive outlook.
2. Division and Factionalism: Sheikh Ibn Kathir highlights the danger of forming factions or groups based on negative judgments. When individuals or groups start making harsh judgments about others, it can lead to the creation of cliques or divisions within a community. This division weakens the bonds of brotherhood and sisterhood among believers, which is contrary to the spirit of Islam that emphasizes unity and solidarity.
Sheikh Ibn Qayyim's Approach:
1. Compassion and Nonjudgmental Attitude: Sheikh Ibn Qayyim advocates for a compassionate and nonjudgmental attitude towards fellow human beings. He believes that harsh judgments can be spiritually detrimental and hinder our own growth. Instead, he encourages believers to approach others with kindness, forgiveness, and empathy.
2. Ultimate Judgment Belongs to Allah: Like other Islamic scholars, Sheikh Ibn Qayyim emphasizes that ultimate judgment belongs to Allah alone. Human beings, limited in their knowledge and understanding, should refrain from making absolute judgments about others' hearts and intentions.
Sheikh Ibn Taymiyyah's Approach:
1. Amr bil Ma'ruf wa Nahy 'an al-Munkar: Sheikh Ibn Taymiyyah advocates for the Islamic principle of "amr bil ma'ruf wa nahy 'an al-munkar" (enjoining what is right and forbidding what is wrong). He argues that there is a collective responsibility among Muslims to promote virtue and discourage vice within their community.
2. Wisdom and Compassion: While endorsing the duty of enjoining good and forbidding evil, He emphasizes the importance of wisdom and compassion in doing so. He cautions against harshness or self-righteousness in judgment, as these qualities can be counterproductive.
Sheikh Al-Ghazali's approach
1. Self-Purification and the Heart:
Sheikh Al-Ghazali places great emphasis on the purification of the heart (tazkiyat al-nafs) as a crucial aspect of Islamic spirituality. He believes that passing judgment on others is often a reflection of the impurities within one's own heart. According to him, a heart that is filled with arrogance, pride, and self-righteousness is more prone to passing harsh judgments.
2. Humility and Self-Examination:
Sheikh Al-Ghazali encourages believers to cultivate humility and engage in self-examination. He argues that self-awareness is a key step in spiritual growth. By acknowledging our own flaws and weaknesses, we become less inclined to pass judgment on others. This introspective approach fosters a compassionate and nonjudgmental attitude.
3. The Virtue of Forgiveness and Mercy:
Sheikh Al-Ghazali champions the virtues of forgiveness and mercy. He believes that a true believer should be quick to forgive and slow to judge. His writings often highlight the compassionate and forgiving nature of Allah, urging believers to emulate these qualities in their interactions with others.
4. The Dangers of Harsh Judgment:
Sheikh Al-Ghazali cautions against the dangers of passing harsh judgment. He argues that such judgments can be spiritually detrimental, leading to arrogance and self-righteousness. They can also alienate individuals and hinder their spiritual growth. Instead, he encourages believers to approach others with gentleness and understanding.
Harmful Effects of Passing Judgments in Deen:
1. Psychological Impact:
- Shame and Guilt: When individuals are subjected to harsh judgments about their religious practices or beliefs, they often experience feelings of shame and guilt. This can be emotionally distressing and lead to a sense of inadequacy.
- Anxiety and Stress: Constant fear of judgment can lead to heightened levels of anxiety and stress.
- Self-Doubt and Self-Esteem Issues: Harsh judgments can erode an individual's self-esteem and lead to self-doubt. They may question their worthiness as a believer, which can have a profound impact on their mental well-being.
2. Social Impact:
- Division within Communities: Passing judgments can create divisions within religious communities. It fosters an "us versus them" mentality, where individuals or groups deem themselves more pious or righteous than others. This division weakens the sense of unity among believers.
- Alienation and Isolation: Those who feel judged may distance themselves from religious gatherings and community activities. They may avoid seeking guidance or support, fearing further judgment or condemnation.
- Lack of Open Dialogue: When judgment prevails, open and honest dialogue within religious communities becomes difficult. People are reluctant to share their doubts, struggles, or questions, hindering the collective growth and understanding of faith.
3. Strain on the Relationship with Allah:
- Negative Perception of Religion: Passing judgments can create a negative perception of religion itself. When people associate religion with judgment and condemnation, they may lose trust in religious institutions and become disenchanted with the concept of God.
- Alienation from Allah's Mercy: Excessive judgment can lead individuals to believe that Allah is harsh and unforgiving. They may feel unworthy of seeking His forgiveness, missing out on the fundamental aspect of Allah's boundless mercy and forgiveness in Islam.
The Tender Duty Of Advising People Towards Islam:
In Islam, advising is not a mere choice; it is a profound duty. Islam beckons its adherents to extend this counsel with open arms, to embrace those on the journey and guide them toward the radiant light of Allah.
The Significance of Advising in Islam:
1. Fulfilling an Obligation: Advising stands as a fundamental pillar of Islamic ethics. It is a means by which Muslims fulfill the divine duty of enjoining good and forbidding evil, as laid out in the Quran.
2. Preserving Unity: Advising with empathy and gentleness nurtures unity within the Muslim community, cultivating an atmosphere of mutual respect and understanding.
3. Reflecting Islamic Values: Through compassionate advising, Muslims embody the core values of Islam, including compassion, mercy, and forgiveness, for all the world to witness.
Conclusion:
In Islam, advising is not a mere act; it is a masterpiece of compassion and care. In the realm of Islamic ethics, the distinction between passing judgment and offering advice is of paramount importance. The Quran and Hadiths offer clear guidance on the need for humility and empathy when assessing the actions and intentions of others. As Muslims, we are called to navigate this delicate terrain with kindness, understanding, and a commitment to unity, thereby reflecting the core values of Islam: compassion, mercy, and forgiveness. In doing so, we contribute to a more harmonious and compassionate society, living out the true essence of our faith.
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