OCTOBER 25

Well-Wishing

Once suspicion fell upon certain people in Madinah. On this occasion the following command was revealed in the Quran: ‘When you heard it, why did the faithful, men and women, not think well of their own people, and say: “This is an evident falsehood?’ ” (24:12)

This shows that Islam desires an atmosphere in which the members of society think well of each other. If people hear of anything directed against someone, they should neither spread it to others, nor should they themselves give credence to it. They should always cherish good thoughts about others in their hearts.

In another verse of the Quran, we are addressed in these words: “Believers, avoid immoderate suspicion, for in some cases, suspicion is a crime.” (49:12)

The evils of dissension and discord are invariably produced in a society which is vitiated by suspicion. If suspicion is nipped in the bud, mutual relationships will not deteriorate. And a pleasant atmosphere will continue to prevail.

According to a hadith, the Prophet of Islam observed: “You should save yourselves from suspicion, because suspicion is the worst of falsehoods” (Sahih, Muslim).

There are many traditions from which we learn the dictates of Islam on this subject as well as what conformance with them entails. That is, people should keep their hearts free of misgivings about others. If anything negative is said about others, they should not believe it just on the basis of hearsay. Either they should take no notice of it or, if it is necessary to form an opinion, they should first of all investigate the whole matter thoroughly and only then draw their conclusion.

The ideal person according to Islam is one who holds positive views about others; who has only good thoughts and feelings about them.