Awareness of Purpose

INSIGHTS OF THE WISE those insects that damage your vegetables, insects that are otherwise very difficult for you to eliminate. How unwise you were—you did not understand what was good or bad for you. You killed a valuable watchman of your garden.” Hearing these words from his friend, the man was left speechless. He deeply regretted what he had done. He became so upset that he fell ill and was unable to work for several days. This example shows how misunderstanding can lead a person into serious mistakes. At times, a misunderstanding may even drive someone to take another person’s life, though that person may be completely innocent. One may go to the extent of insulting another, when in fact that individual deserves the highest respect. That is why Islamic law instructs us to investigate fully before forming an opinion or taking any action against someone. Do not make the mistake of hearing a report and immediately believing it, then acting against someone based on it. It could turn out, once investigated, that the report you heard was completely false and baseless: “Believers, if an evil-doer brings you news, ascertain the correctness of the report fully, lest you unwittingly harm others, and then regret what you have done.” (49:6) Avoiding the harm of false reports is simple—do not believe anything until you have confirmed it through reliable, direct sources.