MISUNDERSTANDING

A narration states: ‘Aisha said that one night she could not find the Prophet of Islam at home. She assumed that he had gone to the house of one of his other wives. She began searching and eventually found him in the mosque, either bowing or prostrating in prayer, saying: “Glory and praise be to You, O God. There is no deity but You.” Then she said to him: “May my parents be sacrificed for you. I am concerned with one matter, and you are absorbed in another.” (Musnad Ahmad, Hadith No. 25178; Sahih Muslim, Hadith No. 485; Sunan al-Nasa’i, Hadith No. 1131)

‘Aisha assumed, upon not finding the Prophet at home, that he had gone to visit one of his other wives. But in fact, he had gone to the mosque to worship. She thought he was missing someone; in reality, he was remembering God, the Lord of Majesty.

This illustrates how a person, based on outward circumstances, can form an assumption about someone else. From initial impressions, one might feel justified in their thinking. But upon closer investigation, it becomes clear that the thought was based purely on personal assumption, with no connection to the actual reality.

Misunderstanding is something even a person of high rank, like a Companion of the Prophet, can experience. For ordinary people, the likelihood is even greater. Therefore, it is necessary for everyone that if a misunderstanding arises regarding someone, they must investigate the matter. One must never rely solely on the assumption.

Whoever fails to verify a matter is undoubtedly blameworthy. In the sight of God, no excuse will be accepted for forming a negative opinion about someone without full knowledge. The person will be held accountable and asked—When you did not have a full understanding of the situation, how could you presume something negative about another person?