Harbouring Ill Thoughts

Advice of Hadhrat Mufti Mahmood Hassan Gangohi (Rahmatullahi Alayh)[1]

Question:

Respected Mufti Sahib,

As-salāmu ‘alaykum wa-raḥmatullāhi wa-barakātuh

I am presently involved in a spiritual malady. Due to some bad experiences, I have now become extremely skeptical and distrustful of the common people as well as the learned one’s. I have ill thoughts about people in general. Hence I detest associating with people. Please guide me in this predicament.

Answer:

Respected Brother,

As-salāmu ‘alaykum wa-raḥmatullāhi wa-barakātuh

To harbour ill thoughts about people (whether they may be from the masses or the learned) due to their condition, is an evil and detestable act. Whenever an ill thought creeps into your mind regarding any person, be he a learned person or just a common sinner, you should reflect over your own shortcomings and think: “How many faults and sins I have committed. I am not sinless. However, I do have hope that Allah Ta‘ala will forgive me. Likewise others could also be forgiven.

If I am taken to task due to harbouring ill thoughts, what answer will I have? It is absolutely possible that this person could be forgiven due to some splendid action which is unknown to me. Hence all his sins would then be replaced with rewards.” Allah Ta‘ala says: “They are the ones whom Allah Ta‘ala will grant them rewards in place of their sins (i.e. the sins will be forgiven and they will be replaced with rewards.” [2]


[1] (Hadhrat Mufti Mahmood Hasan Gangohi raḥimahullāh His life and works, Publsh. Ta’limi Board, KZN, Pg 245,246)

[2] (Maktobaat (Vol. 1, Pg. 80)