Good signifies the act of bringing happiness to oneself and others, even in the face of hardship and the challenges of doing good. Typically, good actions come with rewards for individuals after they have accomplished various deeds throughout their lives that contribute to their growth as better people through consistent good behavior. In Surah Al-Inshirah, particularly for followers of Prophet SAW, it is stated that every struggle encountered while doing good is followed by ease.
Judgment acts as a scale of weighing good against evil, right against wrong, for any individual. To judge means to form an opinion based on others’ characteristics and appearances. Your relationships with them also influence your judgment. This leads you to identify and evaluate them. Judgment also functions as a means of justice, imposing consequences for actions deemed right or wrong based on the individuals’ misdeeds.
Character is shaped by an individual’s ability to express kindness, negativity, and various attitudes that define their personality. This character influences your identity among those you live with or in the community you inhabit, where daily interactions occur. Every interaction—be it through speech or gestures—will be influenced by how others perceive your character. Generally, people respond according to their perceptions, which can vary based on their life circumstances.
Not everyone shares the same living situation; people can be kind, unkind, affluent, or possess varying levels of knowledge. Such dynamics create diverse characters where individuals often interact based on their circumstances and personal opinions, which may differ significantly. Even parents can hold varying views about their children, as they likely have deeper knowledge of them.
Am I an effective judge of character? I have met both new and familiar friends while studying together, particularly during school, where differences in appearance and dress are evident. Through education and practice, I’ve learned to assess individuals based on these experiences. Previously, I may have mistakenly regarded less affluent friends as unfriendly due to my limited skills in positive communication.
Over time, I’ve come to discuss our differences, and my relationships have greatly improved as we share ideas and perspectives while transitioning into adulthood. Consequently, my judgment evolves positively through this ongoing learning, which I recognize as beneficial for myself and potentially for others.
Prophet SAW also indicated that exhibiting good judgment toward others not only fosters goodness within oneself but also aids the ummah in avoiding mischief that could lead to harmful behaviors among one another. This includes actions like backbiting, spying, and mockery. As I grow, I strive to judge individuals not solely on their appearance but also based on meaningful interactions that I perceive positively.
In the absence of interaction, I choose to focus on the good. I avoid harboring negative thoughts. Negative thoughts can undermine relationships among people. Living harmoniously and embracing positivity can enable us to understand others better. These values guide humanity toward greater goodness. This helps identify them as virtuous individuals. It fosters a society that continuously evolves. Please share your thoughts in the comments.
I’m Isnizal Z, a writer and lifelong learner based in somewhere warm, peaceful, and full of stories. Through daily prompts and personal insights, I share honest reflections on productivity, mindset, and the art of showing up. This blog is my digital journal—sometimes messy, always meaningful
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