How can I not be indifferent to the sins of others while avoiding judgment?

The question of how to not be indifferent to the sins of others while simultaneously avoiding judgment is a delicate and profound ethical consideration in Islamic teachings, particularly those derived from the Quran. This issue highlights the balance between the communal obligation of 'Amr bil Ma'ruf wa Nahy anil Munkar' (enjoining good and forbidding evil) and the individual duty to avoid suspicion, spying, and judgment. The Holy Quran invites us to maintain this balance and offers practical guidelines to achieve it. The primary goal is always reformation and guidance, not condemnation or shaming. The first principle emphasized by the Quran is the duty of 'Amr bil Ma'ruf wa Nahy anil Munkar.' This obligation means inviting to goodness and deterring from evil, but crucially, this invitation and deterrence must be carried out with wisdom, beautiful admonition, and the best form of argumentation. Allah Almighty states in Surah Al-Imran, verse 104: “And let there be [arising] from you a nation inviting to [all that is] good, enjoining what is right and forbidding what is wrong, and those will be the successful.” This verse indicates that the Muslim community must be proactive and not indifferent to deviations. But how do we fulfill this without falling into judgment? The answer lies in the approach. The Quran strongly prohibits suspicion, spying, and backbiting. In Surah Al-Hujurat, verse 12, it is stated: “O you who have believed, avoid much [negative] assumption. Indeed, some assumption is sin. And do not spy or backbite each other. Would one of you like to eat the flesh of his brother when dead? You would abhor it. And fear Allah; indeed, Allah is Accepting of repentance and Merciful.” This verse clearly demonstrates that invading people's privacy, harboring ill suspicions about their intentions, and revealing their hidden sins are major transgressions. Judgment precisely begins at this point: when an individual, based on the apparent act or their own assumptions, issues a final verdict about another's character, faith, or ultimate destiny. Whereas only Allah knows the inner realities and the final fate of individuals. Therefore, the main strategy when confronting the sins of others is to adopt three key approaches: 1. Focus on oneself and self-correction: First and foremost, we must focus on rectifying our own souls. When we are preoccupied with our own flaws, we will have little time to scrutinize and judge the flaws of others. A Hadith from the Prophet Muhammad (PBUH) states: “Blessed is he whose own faults keep him from looking at the faults of others.” The Quran also states in Surah Al-Ma'idah, verse 105: “O you who have believed, upon you is [responsibility for] yourselves. No harm will come to you from those who have erred if you have been guided.” This verse by no means negates the duty of 'Amr bil Ma'ruf' but rather emphasizes individual responsibility and the importance of self-development. 2. Enjoin good and forbid evil with wisdom and gentleness: If a sin is apparent and there is a possibility of positive influence, action should be taken with a compassionate and respectful approach. Allah says in Surah An-Nahl, verse 125: “Invite to the way of your Lord with wisdom and good instruction, and argue with them in a way that is best.” This verse is a comprehensive guideline. Wisdom means understanding the circumstances, the appropriate timing, the capacity of the other person, and employing the most logical and effective method. Beautiful admonition means speaking kindly, compassionately, and without humiliation. Arguing in the best manner means that even in discussions, etiquette and respect must be maintained. The goal is to save the person from sin, not to reprimand or humiliate them. We must remember that Allah is Al-Sattar (the Coverer of faults), and He has commanded His servants to cover each other's faults, except in cases where the sin becomes public and harms society. 3. Pray for guidance and maintain hope: Instead of judging people's destinies, we should pray for their guidance. Hearts are in Allah’s hands, and He is the one who guides. Even concerning Pharaoh, Allah commanded Moses and Aaron (peace be upon them) to speak to him gently, hoping he might take heed. In Surah Taha, verse 44, it states: “And speak to him with gentle speech that perhaps he may be reminded or fear [Allah].” This demonstrates that even with the most tyrannical individuals, one should approach from a position of compassion and guidance, not judgment and condemnation. The door of hope for repentance and return should always be left open. In summary, to not be indifferent to the sins of others while avoiding judgment, we must first work on ourselves, then engage in 'Amr bil Ma'ruf wa Nahy anil Munkar with wisdom, kindness, and compassion, and finally, always pray for the guidance of others, remembering that ultimate judgment belongs solely to Allah. This approach not only aids in individual and societal reform but also preserves human dignity and strengthens the bonds of brotherhood within the community.