How Should I Deal with Being Judged by My Outward Actions?
Answered by Shaykh Faraz Rabbani
Question
Others sometimes misunderstand me based on outward signs, assuming interests or disinterests I do not actually have.
How does Islam view these misunderstandings about a person’s true intentions and inner state?
Answer
In the Name of Allah, Most Merciful and Compassionate.
May Allah relieve you of this weight and grant you contentment in His knowledge of your heart.
Allah alone knows what is in the hearts. People judge only by what they see. Your reality is with Allah, not with people’s assumptions. Being misunderstood is part of life. The believer bears this with calm and trust in Allah.
The Messenger of Allah (Allah bless him and give him peace) said, “Actions are only by intentions, and every person will have only what he intended.” [Bukhari; Muslim]
The reality of any act lies in the heart, not in the visible form.
Watching a match because the family gathered around it is not the same act as watching because one is captivated by it. Allah knows the difference.
He (Allah bless him and give him peace) also said, “Allah does not look at your forms or your wealth, but He looks at your hearts and your deeds.” [Muslim]
People cannot do this. They read what they see, and they often misread it.
Allah tells us, “Whether you conceal what is in your hearts or reveal it, Allah knows it.” [Quran 3:29]
Your concern is not that everyone understands you. Your concern is that Allah truly knows you. Keep your intention sincere for Him.
Do what is right and permitted. If a misunderstanding may lead to real harm, clarify it gently. Otherwise, leave people’s opinions to Allah.
The One whose judgment matters knows the truth.
Rest in Allah’s Knowledge of Your Heart
Your heart is with Allah, and He knows it fully. Nurture your inner state, and the burden of others’ opinions will lessen.
Even the Prophet (Allah bless him and give him peace) was misunderstood by many. His peace was in knowing that Allah sees what others do not.
And Allah knows best.
[Shaykh] Faraz Rabbani
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Shaykh Faraz Rabbani is a recognized specialist scholar in the Islamic sciences, having studied under leading scholars from around the world. He is the Founder and Executive Director of SeekersGuidance.
Shaykh Faraz stands as a distinguished figure in Islamic scholarship. His journey in seeking knowledge is marked by dedication and depth. He spent ten years studying under some of the most revered scholars of our times. His initial studies took place in Damascus. He then continued in Amman, Jordan.
In Damascus, he was privileged to learn from the late Shaykh Adib al-Kallas. Shaykh Adib al-Kallas was renowned as the foremost theologian of his time. Shaykh Faraz also studied under Shaykh Hassan al-Hindi in Damascus. Shaykh Hassan is recognized as one of the leading Hanafi jurists of our era.
Upon completing his studies, Shaykh Faraz returned to Canada in 2007. His return marked a new chapter in his service to the community. He founded SeekersGuidance. The organization reflects his commitment to spreading Islamic knowledge. It aims to be reliable, relevant, inspiring, and accessible. This mission addresses both online and on-the-ground needs.
Shaykh Faraz is also an accomplished author. His notable work includes “Absolute Essentials of Islam: Faith, Prayer, and the Path of Salvation According to the Hanafi School.” This book, published by White Thread Press in 2004, is a significant contribution to Islamic literature.
His influence extends beyond his immediate community. Since 2011, Shaykh Faraz has been recognized as one of the 500 most influential Muslims. This recognition comes from the Royal Islamic Strategic Studies Center. It underscores his impact on the global Islamic discourse.
Shaykh Faraz Rabbani’s life and work embody a profound commitment to Islamic scholarship. His teachings continue to enlighten and guide seekers of knowledge worldwide.
