Looking down on others is considered a sin in the Quran and may obstruct one from receiving Allah's guidance and mercy.
In the Holy Quran, the issue of looking down upon others and discriminating against them is explicitly addressed. In Surah Al-Hujurat, verse 11, Allah advises believers: 'O you who have believed, let not a people ridicule [another] people; perhaps they may be better than them.' This verse reminds us that judging others based on their appearance or behavior is misleading and may cause us to overlook or neglect them. A negative outlook towards others not only generates feelings of animosity within the individual but can also lead to contemptuous and violent behaviors. In another verse from Surah Al-Baqarah, verse 165, Allah states: 'And of the people are some who take for granted the worldly life and do not recognize God as they should. This group harbors contempt for others and, as a result, is distanced from Allah's mercy and guidance.' Hence, having a negative perspective and making unfair judgments based on one’s appearance is not only incorrect but can also lead to deviating from the righteous path, negatively impacting our social relationships and faith.
O you who have believed, let not a people ridicule [another] people; perhaps they may be better than them.
And of the people are some who take for granted the worldly life and do not recognize God as they should.
One day, Saadi was sitting in a mosque, pondering the behaviors of humans toward one another. He realized that having a negative outlook towards others could lead to tension and wrongful judgments. Following this insight, he began teaching others that one should look at each other with love and kindness, focusing solely on one’s essence. He consistently embedded this message in his poetry to invite others towards love and friendship.