Judging Others

Judging Others

1991 5-6 May-June 8 Judging Others (349) When Dr. Zakir Hussain (1896-1969) took over as the Vice Chancellor of Aligarh Muslim University, a group of people called on him, as he narrated later, and complained that a large number of the teaching staff were conservative and communal. “They are damaging the reputation of the university and vitiating its atmosphere. They have to be removed to restore the healthy atmosphere”, they said. Dr. Zakir Hussain asked them to submit a list of such persons to him.

Shortly afterwards another group came to meet Dr. Zakir Hussain. They too had complaints to make. According to them, a large number of teachers were either atheists or Communists. Their presence was not doing any good to the reputation of the university. “They should be removed to create a proper atmosphere in the university”, was their plea. They too were asked to prepare a list of such persons.

The two lists were submitted to him. At that point of time the University had just about 300 teachers, but the two lists contained 200 names each. Dr. Zakir Hussain remarked, “I am at a total loss. How do 1 dismiss 400 teachers, when 1 have only 300?”

On closer scrutiny, it was revealed that at least 50 names were common to both the lists. Dr. Zakir Hussain then asked, “Tell me, if 1 dismiss all of them, who will be left to teach the students?”

This incident is a telling commentary on the state of affairs in the community. Today, a Muslim feels free to sit in judgement over others. But he himself is the least willing to introspect. Each one is armed with a long list of wrong-doers. But no one has a list of his own failings.

When the individuals in a community develop a spirit of self-criticism, the community progresses but if people indulge in criticising others, it only degrades the community.

By being critical of oneself, one achieve success not only in this world but, also in the world of the Hereafter. If, however, one starts finding fault with others, it has ruinous consequences in both the worlds.