The Essence of Islam – Volume II — Page 364
364 Essence of Islām II attitude concerning someone else he should seek forgive- ness repeatedly and should supplicate God Almighty that he may be safeguarded against such sinfulness and the consequences that flow from it. This habit should not be underrated. It is a dangerous disease which destroys a person very quickly. In short, thinking ill of another ruins a person. It is written that when those who are condemned to hell are brought face to face with it God Almighty would say to them: You had become guilty of thinking ill of God. [Malfūzāt, vol. I, p. 372] The mischief starts when a person indulges in false suspicions and doubts. If a person thinks well in every situation, he is bestowed the capacity to achieve good. A mistake at the very start makes it difficult to reach the goal. Thinking ill of another is a great vice which de- prives a person of many opportunities of doing good and which goes on mounting till a person begins to think ill of God Almighty. (Urdū Couplets) [Malfūzāt, vol. II, p. 107] Those who cultivate the habit of suspiciousness; Deviate too far away from the path of righteousness. Their tongue attacks recklessly; In an instant, it earns the displeasure of the All- Knowing Lord. By uttering one word, they nullify all their good deeds; Thereafter they continue to sow the seeds of mischief. These countrymen of ours have fallen in such deep sleep; That they do not wake up though we tried to wake them hundreds of times.