How can I stop unwarranted judgments?

Unwarranted and hasty judgments are detrimental afflictions that not only damage human relationships but also hinder an individual's spiritual growth, pushing society towards suspicion and pessimism. The Holy Quran, as a guide for humanity, provides eloquent and decisive practical and fundamental solutions to combat this problem. To deeply understand this issue and find its Quranic answer, we must refer to several verses that directly or indirectly address this behavior. At the core of the answer to this question in the Quran is Surah Al-Hujurat, verse 12. This verse explicitly prohibits three key behaviors that are the roots and fruits of unwarranted judgments: "O you who have believed, avoid much [negative] assumption. Indeed, some assumption is sin. And do not spy. And do not backbite each other. Would one of you like to eat the flesh of his dead brother? You would despise it. And fear Allah; indeed, Allah is Accepting of repentance and Most Merciful." (Al-Hujurat, 12) **1. Avoiding Suspicion and Baseless Assumptions (Avoid much [negative] assumption):** The first step in preventing unwarranted judgments is to control the mind and heart. Many judgments stem from negative assumptions and hypotheses that have no basis in reality. The Quran teaches us to avoid "much assumption," because some of them are "sins." This implies that the default should be to view people with good intentions and positive assumptions (حسن الظن). Negative suspicion not only harms the person being judged but also pollutes the soul and heart of the one judging, leading to anxiety, pessimism, and loss of peace. When we allow ourselves to judge others based on guesswork, we open a door to doubt and ultimately hostility. This breaks down society and destroys public trust. To avoid suspicion, we must train our minds to always seek the best and most positive interpretation of others' behavior in any situation. Unless there is clear and obvious evidence to the contrary, we should assume the correctness and goodness of the other person's action. This attitude not only keeps us from the sin of unwarranted judgment but also makes us feel more peaceful and pure within ourselves. **2. Not Spying (And do not spy):** After controlling thoughts and assumptions, the second step is not to search or investigate the private affairs of others. Spying means trying to discover hidden faults or private secrets of individuals. This is explicitly forbidden in the Quran because it is considered an invasion of privacy and leads to the revelation of secrets, causing shame and distress. Unwarranted judgments often result from spying and collecting incomplete or incorrect information about others' lives. When someone puts themselves in a position of spying, they are essentially looking for a fault to justify their judgment. This behavior is not only forbidden but also severely damages human relationships and reinforces a sense of distrust in society. Protecting individuals' privacy is an ethical and Quranic principle that teaches us not to meddle in others' lives and to respect personal boundaries. If we happen to learn of a fault, our duty is to conceal it and not reveal it, except in cases where its revelation serves the public interest or prevents a greater harm, which, of course, have their own specific Islamic regulations. **3. Avoiding Backbiting (And do not backbite each other):** Backbiting (Gheebah) means speaking ill of someone behind their back and revealing their faults, even if they are true. The Quran compares this act to a shocking and repulsive example: "Would one of you like to eat the flesh of his dead brother?" This simile indicates the extreme ugliness and heinousness of backbiting from a Quranic perspective. Backbiting itself is the pinnacle of unwarranted judgment and its propagation. Even if what we say is true, it is still considered backbiting because its goal is to destroy the person's character and honor. Preventing backbiting requires controlling the tongue and refraining from participating in conversations that lead to damaging others' reputations. When someone backbites, they are effectively trampling on the rights of the absent person and not allowing them to defend themselves. A society where backbiting is prevalent will be filled with malice and enmity. This teaches us not only to avoid unwarranted judgments but also to strictly refrain from spreading them. In addition to Surah Al-Hujurat, other verses also contribute to this topic: * **Surah Al-Isra, verse 36:** "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." This verse reminds us that the basis of every word and action must be knowledge and certainty, not conjecture or suspicion. Judging without sufficient knowledge stems from not following this divine command and will lead to accountability. This verse directly refers to human responsibility for the information they receive and act upon. Every word we utter and every judgment we make must be based on knowledge and investigation, not rumors and assumptions. Our ears, eyes, and hearts are tools for acquiring knowledge, and we will be questioned on the Day of Judgment about how we used them. This means that if we judge based on hearsay, observations, or emotional biases without sufficient investigation, we will be responsible for the consequences. * **Surah Al-Hujurat, verse 11:** "O you who have believed, let not a people ridicule [another] people; perhaps they may be better than them; nor let women ridicule [other] women; perhaps they may be better than them. And do not insult one another and do not call each other by [offensive] nicknames. Wretched is the name of disobedience after [one's] faith. And whoever does not repent - then it is those who are the wrongdoers." This verse explicitly prohibits mockery and finding fault, which are clear manifestations of negative and contemptuous judgments. Mocking others is a form of judgment based on appearance or perceived flaws and indicates arrogance and self-superiority, which are condemned in Islam. This verse teaches us to always consider the possibility that the person we are judging or mocking might have a higher status and position with Allah than we do. This approach compels us to humility and prevents us from looking down on others. **Practical Solutions to Prevent Unwarranted Judgments:** 1. **Self-Awareness and Self-Correction:** Instead of focusing on the faults of others, focus on your own shortcomings and strive to correct them. Someone busy correcting themselves will have less opportunity and inclination to judge others. 2. **Controlling the Tongue:** The tongue is a small organ but possesses immense power. A true Muslim is one from whose hand and tongue people are safe. Before speaking, reflect on whether it is necessary and beneficial. 3. **Promoting Good Assumption (Hasan Adh-Dhan):** Always try to find the best justification for others' actions and assume good intentions instead of suspicion. 4. **Respecting Privacy:** Strictly refrain from spying and intruding on others' personal affairs, and respect personal boundaries. 5. **Reflecting on Consequences:** Consider the adverse consequences of unwarranted judgments, both in this world and the hereafter. Damaged relationships, animosity, loss of reputation, and accountability on the Day of Judgment are all negative outcomes of this behavior. 6. **Trusting Allah and Remembering Divine Supervision:** Know that Allah is aware of and a witness to all matters, and He is the Best Judge. This awareness prevents hasty judgments. By acting upon these Quranic teachings, we can build a healthier society, full of mutual trust and respect, and achieve inner peace and divine pleasure ourselves. This path leads to spiritual growth and closeness to Allah, where hearts are purified from malice and pessimism, and love and empathy take their place.