THE ETHICS OF
JUDGING OTHERS

There is a verse in the Quran: “Believers, avoid much suspicion. Indeed, some suspicion is a sin.” (49:12) Suspicion is broadly divided into two categories: positive assumption (husn al-zann), which is permissible, and negative assumption (su’ al-zann), which is forbidden. (Tafsir al-Mazhari, Vol. 9, p. 54)

While commenting on the verse “Indeed, some suspicion is sin,” the exegete al-Tabari writes that God has forbidden believers from harbouring ill assumptions about others. (Tafsir al-Tabari, Vol. 22, p. 304)

There is a clear difference between forming an opinion based on direct observation or clear evidence and forming an opinion based on inference or speculation. Islam strictly forbids forming a negative opinion about someone, whether it is based on observation or assumption.

The Prophet of Islam instructed: If a bad thought about someone comes to mind, do not investigate it. (Amali al-Muhamili, Hadith No. 343) In other words, remove it from your thoughts instead.

A report recounts someone mentioning a person to Abdullah ibn Mas‘ud, a renowned Companion of the Prophet, saying that the man’s beard smelled of wine. Abdullah ibn Mas‘ud responded, “We have been prohibited from spying. However, if something becomes openly apparent to us, then we will act on it.” (Sunan Abi Dawud, Hadith No. 4890)

Umar ibn al-Khattab, the Second Caliph of Islam, said, “If your believing brother says something, never interpret it negatively when it can be understood positively.” (Rawdat al-‘Uqala by Ibn Hibban, p. 90)