The unseen reflection: Why we judge others and are judged ourselves from others

Introduction

Today’s topic is particularly close to my heart because I observe it around me every single day. If I am being completely honest with myself, I have also made this mistake; speaking about others or making assumptions without ever talking the time to look at things from their perspective. In this article, I want to explore easily both you and I become targets of public judgement and criticism, and how people perceive our good and bad actions. Every mirror has two side: one side is the face we show to the world, and the other is the hidden story behind the scenes; the underlying truth only a few truly understand when asking, “Why did they actually do that?”

Why Personal Encounters Demand a Complete Narrative?

Actually, I hadn’t planned on writing a separate piece dedicated to this topic, especially since I have already explored several related themes in my earlier articles. However, a recent incident happened to my friends and me; something that hit so close to home; that it complete shifted my perspective. It made me realize that merely touching upon this subject is not enough; it truly deserves a complete, standalone article of its own.

“Before you judge someone’s path, make sure your own hands are clean. People often attack in others what they secretly struggle within themselves…”

Quran.com — Surah Al-Hujurat 49:12

The shadow of Envy

People mindsets have deeply troubling direction. We have become remarkably selfish, losing the basic capacity of Tolerance, empathy and appreciation. Whenever we someone moving ahead, gaining recognition, or simply standing up for their rights, it triggers an uncomfortable sting within us; a restless mixture of envy, insecurity and resentment. Instead of reflected our own securities, we channel this frustration outward. We resort to mocking them, disrespecting them in social spaces, and picking apart how they talk, walk and present themselves. We manufacture baseless narratives and assume the worst about their intentions, judging them harshly just to tear them down; an attitude that is fundamentally wrong both morally and socially.

“Or do they envy people for what Allah has given them of his beauty…”

The price of standing up

Recently, our university transport service suddenly suspended due to some issues. Left stranded, we face a serious issue because we are from rural area. Faced with this unnecessary hardship, a few of us; both male and female students we could no longer remain silent. We drafted a formal application and organized a peaceful protest to demand what was rightfully ours.

“you who have believed, be persistently standing firm in justice , witness for Allah, even if it be against yourselves or parents and relatives…”

When we stood there presenting our grievance, the crowd that gathered did not focus on the cause; instead, they turned their gaze toward us. Rather than receiving support for taking a stand that benefited the entire student body, my friend, a few male peers, and I met with harsh public judgment and cruel gossip. People quickly resorted to character assassination; insinuating vulgar, unfounded claims about illicit relationships and labeling us with degrading remarks. It was morally exhausting and deeply unjust.

“And those who harm believing men and believing women for (something) other than what they have earned have certainly borne upon themselves a slander and manifest sin…”

When you lack the courage to stand up for your own rights, the least you can do is avoid tearing down those who do. If you cannot support a cause, you have no moral authority to humiliate or target the integrity of those fighting for it. People measures others by outer appearances and cheap assumptions, but Allah alone sees the contents of the heart. He knows who act with pure intent and who hides behind self-righteous judgment. Who are we to pass final verdicts on another person’s character?

“He knows that which deceives the eyes and what the breasts conceal….”

This incident helped me observe human nature closely

I realized a bitter truth: when people lack the courage or ability to take action themselves, they resort to trolling and tearing down those who do. In today’s digital era, social media has made this worse. Seeing someone else take initiative triggers deep insecurity in onlookers, which quickly turns into public mockery.

The saddest part is how our education system functions today. It has turned us into harsh competitors instead of empathetic human beings. True education is supposed to teach us humility, respect and character; yet degrees today often exist alongside moral poverty.

“Education without character makes a person clever enough to judge others, but not wise enough to inspect themselves….”

Today we become selfish and lazy. We get work from others but doesn’t gives them the exact respect and appreciation, which he/she deserves. We only judge their work and start disrespecting them in front of others.

FAQs

1. Why do people judge others so quickly?
People often judge others based on appearance, behavior, social status, or personal assumptions without knowing the complete story. This can lead to misunderstanding and unfair opinions.

2. What does Islam teach about judging other people?
Islam encourages Muslims to avoid unnecessary suspicion, backbiting, and unfair judgments. We should focus on improving ourselves rather than constantly looking for the faults of others.

3. How does being judged by others affect a person?
Constant judgment can cause sadness, insecurity, stress, and a loss of confidence. Remembering that people’s opinions do not define our true worth can help us maintain inner peace.

4. Why should we look at our own faults before judging others?
Looking at our own weaknesses develops humility and self-awareness. It reminds us that nobody is perfect and encourages us to improve ourselves instead of criticizing others.

5. How can we stop judging people unfairly?
We can avoid making quick assumptions, learn the full situation, think positively about others, and remember that Allah knows what is in people’s hearts.