Not Everyone Is as You Imagine…
It is always wise to distinguish between people’s shortcomings and the temptation to believe that there is no goodness left in anyone. Such a mindset burdens the heart that carries it long before it harms anyone else.
In this context, I am reminded of the Prophet Muhammad’s ﷺ timeless guidance:
“A believing man should not resent a believing woman. If he dislikes one of her qualities, he will be pleased with another.”
This profound teaching reminds us not to judge an entire person because of a single fault, nor to judge life itself because of one passing disappointment.
There are days when the heart feels weighed down, and the world is seen only through the lens of pain. In those moments, people’s faults appear larger than they truly are, while their virtues quietly fade from view, until one begins to imagine that everyone around them is hypocritical, ungrateful, or harbouring ill will.
Such thoughts are among Satan’s most subtle deceptions. They begin as a passing whisper, are nourished by suspicion and negative assumptions, then gradually grow into isolation, estrangement, and, at times, even resentment toward one’s own family and those dearest to the heart.
The truth is that people are neither angels nor devils. We are all imperfect human beings. At times we do what is right, and at other times we fall short. We experience joy and sorrow, contentment and anger. We forget and remember, apologise and make mistakes. Whoever expects perfection from people will eventually live in loneliness, while the one who looks for their good and makes room for their shortcomings will enjoy a heart at peace.
To patiently endure people’s faults, to bear the hurt they may unintentionally cause, and to forgive their mistakes are not signs of weakness. Rather, they are acts of worship through which a believer draws closer to the Lord, refines the soul, and protects the heart from becoming consumed by bitterness and resentment. A heart that is filled with forgiveness knows a tranquillity that a heart burdened by grievances can never experience.
This does not mean accepting injustice or approving wrongdoing. Rather, it means refusing to let one painful experience become the standard by which we judge everyone else. Nor should we allow Satan to turn individual faults into sweeping conclusions that rob us of our peace of mind.
So, if you ever feel that everyone around you has changed, examine your own heart before judging others. The veil may not be over the path itself—it may be over our own vision. What Satan whispers to the heart can sometimes make illusion appear to be reality.
True happiness is not found in discovering people without faults, for they do not exist. It is found in possessing a generous heart that thinks well of others, forgives when able, remains patient through trials, and places its hope in what Almighty Allah has prepared. Whoever purifies the heart, Almighty Allah will illuminate their outlook on life, replacing hardship with serenity and distress with lasting peace.
I pray that Almighty Allah blesses us all with hearts free from malice, minds inclined to think well of others, and souls filled with faith—hearts untouched by Satan’s whispers and uncorrupted by human shortcomings.
May you always remain devoted children to your parents, and loving, compassionate brothers and sisters to one another.
With best regards,
Translated by the Smart Program
Add comment
Comments