Spirit of Islam, July-August 2026

O n May 25, 2026, I travelled from Chennai to Malaysia on Malaysia Airlines Flight 183. As I reflected upon the journey, a valuable lesson emerged before my mind. It was not merely a lesson about travel. It was a lesson about human nature, positive thinking, and the power of good expectations. Outwardly, I am a person with a traditional appearance. In today’s environment, many people assume that someone with such an image may frequently face suspicion, discrimination, or unpleasant treatment. It is often said that individuals belonging to certain backgrounds encounter obstacles wherever they go. However, my personal experience over the last fifty years has been remarkably different. Throughout my life, I have travelled extensively across India. I have travelled in buses, trains, and airplanes. I have visited stations, airports, hotels, and public places. Yet I cannot recall a single occasion when I was mistreated because of my appearance or identity. My Hindu brothers and sisters have always treated me with respect and courtesy. Whether at a railway station, a bus terminal, an airport counter, or any other public place, I have generally encountered kindness rather than hostility. This experience points to an important reality. Very often, the fears that dominate our minds do not exist in the external world to the extent that we imagine. People sometimes live with negative assumptions about others. They begin to expect hostility, and these expectations create invisible walls between human beings. The problem is not always outside; often it begins within the human mind. The Quran teaches believers to adopt a positive attitude toward others. It says: “O you who believe, avoid much suspicion. Indeed, some suspicion is sin.” (49: 12) This verse encourages us to free our minds from negative assumptions. Suspicion poisons relationships, while positive thinking opens the doors of mutual understanding. THE POWER OF TRUST Thinking Good Thoughts