Assalamu alaikum Warahmatullahi Wabarakatuh.
Sometimes, bad assumptions (su’udzon) arise within us toward others. For example, when a relative or friend who usually visits our home suddenly stops coming, we might assume they’ve become arrogant.
Or when we go to the mosque for congregational prayer and see a friend or neighbor rushing to the market, we might assume they prioritize worldly matters over prayer. Or when we see someone giving charity or donations, we might suspect that their giving is insincere or has hidden motives.
These negative assumptions often begin with whispers within ourselves and the influence of Satan.
Such assumptions toward fellow humans eventually give birth to arrogance. Satan constantly whispers in our ears that “we are the best.” Others are dishonest, wrong, insincere, or have ulterior motives.
Allah forbids us from harboring bad assumptions—especially toward Him, but also toward fellow humans—because such assumptions bring no benefit whatsoever.
The Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him) said:
“Beware of suspicion, for suspicion is the most false of speech. Do not spy on one another, do not envy one another, do not turn your backs on one another, and do not hate one another. Be, O servants of Allah, brothers.”
Bad assumptions also lead to the attitude of self-righteousness.When others are considered worse than oneself, the tendency is to seek out their faults and shortcomings.
Negative assumptions can also lead to ghibah (backbiting).
When meeting with friends, one may begin to talk about the flaws and mistakes of others.
This is where backbiting begins. They become busy with gossip and don’t realize they’re speaking ill of others, because Satan keeps fanning and decorating it with the “flowers” of desire. Given how harmful bad assumptions are, Allah strongly warns us in Surah Al-Hujurat: 12:
يَا أَيُّهَا الَّذِينَ آمَنُوا اجْتَنِبُوا كَثِيرًا مِّنَ الظَّنِّ إِنَّ بَعْضَ الظَّنِّ إِثْمٌ وَلَا تَجَسَّسُوا وَلَا يَغْتَب بَّعْضُكُم بَعْضًا ۚ أَيُحِبُّ أَحَدُكُمْ أَن يَأْكُلَ لَحْمَ أَخِيهِ مَيْتًا فَكَرِهْتُمُوهُ ۚ وَاتَّقُوا اللَّهَ ۚ إِنَّ اللَّهَ تَوَّابٌ رَّحِيمٌ
“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 dead brother? You would detest it. And fear Allah; indeed, Allah is Accepting of repentance and Merciful.”
This verse initially forbids bad assumptions toward others. But it also warns: “Do not seek out the faults of others,” and “Do not backbite them.” Indeed, bad assumptions are often accompanied by other bad behaviors. On the other hand, having good assumptions leads to other virtues and brings peace to the heart.
May Allah protect our hearts, minds, and tongues. Ameen.
That is all I can convey—may it be beneficial.
Wassalamu alaikum Warahmatullahi Wabarakatuh.