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You see someone sitting in the masjid while others pray sunnah and a thought crosses your mind: "Why aren't they praying?" You see a sister without hijab, and you whisper to yourself: "She isn't practicing properly." Or maybe you hear gossip about a brother or sister, and you instantly accept it as truth, shaping your entire view of them.
Judgment creeps into the heart quickly. But the truth is, Islam doesn't ask us to carry that weight. In fact, we are reminded again and again that judgment belongs to Allah alone.
Allah says in the Qur'an:
"O you who believe, avoid much assumption. Indeed, some assumption is sin. And do not spy or backbite one another. Would one of you like to eat the flesh of his brother when dead? You would detest it."
- Surah Al-Hujurat 49:12
This verse is powerful not only because it forbids assumptions, spying, and backbiting, but because of the imagery Allah uses. To assume the worst of someone, to pry into their private life, or to speak behind their back is compared to something so disturbing-eating the flesh of your own dead brother.
Why such strong language? Because judgment harms everyone involved. It corrupts the heart of the one judging and unjustly hurts the one being judged.
The problem with judgment is that we only see a tiny part of a person's life. We don't see their private tears, their nightly prayers, or the silent battles they fight.
That sister without hijab? Maybe she begs Allah every night for strength. That brother who left the masjid quickly? Maybe he was rushing to take care of a sick parent. That rumor you heard? Maybe it wasn't true at all-or only half the story.
Allah reminds us clearly:
"And do not pursue that of which you have no knowledge. Indeed, the hearing, the sight, and the heart-about all those [one] will be questioned."
- Surah Al-Isra 17:36
This means even our assumptions-our careless thoughts and quick judgments-are things we will be asked about.
The Prophet Muhammad, peace be upon him, gave us a timeless guide:
"Whoever believes in Allah and the Last Day, let him speak good or remain silent."
- Sunan Ibn Majah 3672
It sounds simple, but living by it can transform our lives. Silence, in moments of judgment, is not weakness-it is mercy. It protects us from sin, protects others from harm, and keeps our hearts soft.
And beyond silence, the Prophet encouraged us to see good in even the smallest deeds:
"Do not look down upon any good deed, even if it is meeting your brother with a cheerful face."
- Riyad as-Salihin 892
Sometimes, the people we judge may be closer to Allah than we can ever imagine, because of a hidden act of kindness or sincerity we never witnessed.
The next time you catch yourself judging someone, pause. Instead of letting that thought harden your heart, turn it into a du'a.
Say: "Ya Allah, guide them, forgive them, and guide me too."
That single shift can soften your heart and turn a moment of negativity into a moment of mercy.
Judgment belongs to Allah alone. He sees what we cannot see-the secrets of hearts, the sincerity of repentance, the hidden acts of worship. Our role is not to label people but to clean our own hearts, extend compassion, and leave the unseen to Allah.
Allah reminds us:
"My mercy encompasses all things."
- Surah Al-A'raf 7:156
If His mercy covers everything, then surely we too should strive to live with mercy.
When we let go of judgment, something beautiful happens. Our hearts feel lighter. We stop seeing people through criticism and start seeing them through kindness. And in that shift, we draw closer to Allah.
So the next time your heart rushes to judge-pause. Breathe. Remember the words of Allah. Remember the guidance of the Prophet. And choose compassion over judgment.
That is where the light begins-a light upon light.
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