💐 In The Name Of Allah The Most Gracious The Most Merciful
💌 Instantly judging people by their first impressions is something unreliable and unfair to do. It's one thing to avoid someone whose presence is too toxic to handle because they remind you of an untrustworthy person who mistreated you previously, or their expertise in gossiping turns you off so you distance yourself to preserve your overall well-being. It is an entirely different case if you misjudge a Muslim based on your initial encounter with them, rumors, or unjustifiable assumptions.
From an outsider's perspective, you may consider a family to be very rich because of their immense residence, designer clothes, and expensive cars, when in reality the breadwinner owes many people a large sum of money, has tons of debts, and he's a con-artist. On the other hand, some onlookers may guess that a man wearing simple clothing and who drives an old car isn't wealthy, when he's actually a CEO of a thriving company who traveled to several countries, the vehicle was given to him by his late father, and he's a sensitive guy who can't easily let go of thoughtful memories.
A stranger who seemed so sweet and cheerful the first time you met them could be a narcissistic gossiper who enjoys making fun of people's weaknesses. A reserved colleague who doesn't speak much during meetings isn't necessarily snobbish or indifferent. They probably struggle with severe social anxiety or they prefer to quietly observe in the background and won't contribute to a group conversation until they're spoken to.
People aren't always what they appear to be. Don't be too naive that the way some people dress and conduct themselves exhibits their reality. Immediately criticizing others for how they made you feel the first time you noticed them entitles you to be called "judgmental" if not "prejudiced" or "unfairly critical". While it's fine to ensure that you generally give a good impression, since first impressions are unforgettable to some, it is not acceptable to permanently boycott another Muslim when you don't even know them well enough to describe them accurately.
📖 Abu Huraira RadhiAllahu 'anhu narrated: Allah's noble Messenger Muhammad SallAllahu 'alaihi wa sallam said, "Beware of suspicion, for suspicion is the most false of tales. Do not seek out faults, do not spy on each other, do not contend with each other, do not envy each other, do not hate each other, and do not turn away from each other. Rather, be servants of Allah as brothers."
Source: Sahih Al-Bukhari 5719, Sahih Muslim 2563
Grade: Muttafaqun Alayhi (Authenticity agreed upon) according to Al-Bukhari and Muslim
📖 Al-Bayhaqi reported: Ja’far ibn Muhammad, may Allah have mercy on him, said, “If you hear something from your brother that you reject, make an excuse for him up to seventy excuses. If you cannot do it, then say: 'Perhaps he has an excuse I do not know.'”
Source: Shu’ab Al-Imān 7853