MISUNDERSTANDING
In Sahih Muslim, the second most authentic collection of hadith compiled by Muslim ibn al-Hajjaj (d. 875), a significant incident is narrated. Ibn Abi Mulaykah reports that Aisha, the wife of the Prophet of Islam, once said:
“One night I could not find the Prophet by my side. I assumed he had gone to one of his other wives, so I went looking for him. When I returned, I found him in bowing or prostration, saying: ‘Glory be to You, O God, and all praise is Yours. There is no deity except You.’ Seeing this, I said, ‘I was thinking one thing while you were engaged in something entirely different.’” (Sahih Muslim, Hadith No. 485)
This incident demonstrates how dangerous a misunderstanding can be. Aisha, despite being one of the most virtuous women and the Prophet of Islam being the greatest of all prophets, still fell into a misconception that had no basis in reality.
When Aisha did not find the Prophet in her room late at night, she assumed he had gone to another wife. In truth, he was at the mosque, deeply engaged in prayer and remembrance of God. It was simply a moment of assumption driven by absence, in a context that seemed familiar—but it led to an entirely incorrect conclusion.
Misunderstandings often arise due to superficial similarities. Yet, this incident clearly illustrates how baseless such assumptions can be, even when they seem plausible.
In family life, many conflicts and breakdowns—including those that eventually damage the entire family structure—are rooted in misunderstandings. If people would sincerely investigate the matter at the first sign of confusion, they would often find the issue entirely unfounded, and the problem could be resolved early on. However, most people do not take the time to verify. As a result, a baseless suspicion snowballs into serious discord.
This event should serve as a powerful lesson for every man and woman. If a noble and revered woman like Aisha could fall into misunderstanding, then ordinary people are even more susceptible. Therefore, whenever a negative assumption enters one’s mind, it should never be held onto. It must be examined thoroughly, and whatever truth emerges should be accepted without resistance. This attitude will protect the home from disorder and conflict.
The danger of misunderstanding is not limited to the disruption of family life—it is also a serious moral failing. To assume something about someone without clear evidence is highly disliked in the sight of God. In fact, such behaviour may even put all of one’s good deeds at risk.
Moreover, the habit of accepting suspicion without verification damages a person’s character. A woman or man who easily falls into suspicion and never clears their mind of it will gradually become shallow, lacking goodwill toward others, and disconnected from reality. Such individuals cannot expect to achieve lasting success in this world.
Misunderstanding is a silent killer in human relationships. It creates enmity, divides communities, and can lead to devastating outcomes. Fortunately, the remedy for this dangerous ailment is simple: investigation. Whenever you feel suspicious about someone, do not act on it immediately. Instead, seek clarification through direct and reliable means. Once you do, it is very likely that the misunderstanding will disappear—protecting you both from sin and from taking a wrong step.
