An Example of Noble Character

WOMEN OF PARADISE is now so common that very few people, especially women, can be found who are entirely free from it. Commenting on this verse, Maulana Shabbir Ahmad Usmani writes: “What fuels division and conflict most are these very behaviours. One group becomes so suspicious of another that it leaves no room for positive assumptions. Even if someone’s words allow for countless interpretations of goodwill and only one that implies wrongdoing, a suspicious mind will always assume the worst. That assumption is then treated as fact, and accusations and blame follow. Not only that— people begin actively searching for others’ faults, just to expose and ridicule them. Backbiting becomes the centerpiece of their gatherings. The Quran forbids all of this. If Muslims were to follow this guidance, conflicts would not escalate beyond control and would soon get resolved. In fact, such issues would disappear within days.” (Tafsir Usmani, p. 671) This verse from Surah Al-Hujurat addresses both men and women. It instructs us not to form negative opinions about others based solely on suspicion. If one chooses to assume the best, no harm is done to the family or community. But forming bad opinions without evidence can cause serious damage.