Judgment 👩🏻‍⚖️👨🏻‍⚖️

“Why do you look at the speck in your brother’s eye, but do not notice the plank in your own?”

— Gospel of Matthew 7:3

Humans are not inherently authorized to judge others. Any judgment that arises from the self is merely an echo of our preconceptions and internal biases, which do not necessarily reflect truth or reality. Despite human intelligence and discernment, one remains limited in perceiving absolute truths.

In the Holy Qur’an, which serves as a guide and a manifestation of truth, there is a clear call to verify before issuing any judgment:

﴿O you who have believed, if a wicked person comes to you with news, verify it, lest you harm people unknowingly and regret what you have done.﴾ [Al-Ḥujurāt: 6]

Even apparent truths must be examined. Judgment is not a passing decision, a superficial conclusion, or based on assumptions; it requires purification of the heart, mind, and soul. It embodies justice, honesty, and balance between what we know and what we do not. True justice can only be achieved when based on evidence and truth. How then can a confused mind, biased reasoning, or extreme ideology produce fairness among people?

﴿O you who have believed, be persistently standing firm for Allah, witnesses in justice, and let not hatred for a people make you avoid being just. Be just; that is nearer to piety. And fear Allah; indeed, Allah is Acquainted with what you do.﴾ [Al-Mā’idah: 8]

﴿Indeed, Allah commands you to render trusts to whom they are due and when you judge between people to judge with justice. Excellent is that which Allah instructs you. Indeed, Allah is ever Hearing and Seeing.﴾ [An-Nisā’: 58]

﴿We sent Our messengers with clear proofs and revealed with them the Scripture and the balance so that people establish justice…﴾ [Al-Ḥadīd: 25]

Allah sent His messengers to teach humanity how to establish justice and fairness among people, because judgment requires a broader vision and sincerity rooted in inner balance. Arbitrary judgments based on whims or preconceived notions are sources of discord and sin. Judgment is not merely words or assumptions; it demands evidence and absolute justice. It is a profound responsibility requiring neutrality, reflection, and detachment from bias.

﴿So invoke [Allah] and be steadfast as you are commanded and do not follow their desires, and say: “I have believed in what Allah has revealed of the Book, and I am commanded to judge among you with justice. Allah is our Lord and your Lord; to us our deeds and to you your deeds. There is no argument between us and you. Allah will bring us together, and to Him is the return.”﴾ [Ash-Shūrā: 15]

﴿And if two groups of believers fight, then reconcile between them. And if one of them transgresses against the other, fight the one that transgresses until it returns to the command of Allah. Then reconcile between them with justice and act equitably. Indeed, Allah loves those who act equitably.﴾ [Al-Ḥujurāt: 9]

The truth to grasp is that all reform in the world begins within the individual. A righteous society cannot be built without first purifying and strengthening ourselves. Reform begins in the heart, by cleansing intentions, correcting visions, and self-reflection before pointing fingers at others. To be advocates of justice, one must purify thoughts, broaden perspectives, and rise above preconceived judgments that blind insight. We need deeper awareness and wider vision to build our minds on profound understanding and to treat others with justice and benevolence.

﴿Indeed, Allah commands justice and excellence…﴾ [An-Naḥl: 90]

﴿Say: “I am upon clear proof from my Lord, and you denied it. I have no authority over it except as instructed. Judgment is only Allah’s. He recounts the truth, and He is the best of deciders.”﴾ [Al-An‘ām: 57]

We must reject preconceived judgments, liberate ourselves from inherited mental debris, and open our minds to broader thought. When we do this, we perceive truth clearly, become witnesses to justice, not prisoners of ignorance or tools of bias and oppression.

﴿Allah presents an example of two men: one mute who can do nothing, entirely dependent on his master, and wherever he directs him, no good comes — are they equal? And he who commands justice while following a straight path?﴾ [An-Naḥl: 76]