3Pause Before You Judge

After reciting the morning verses, Fawzooz turned to a new challenge: engaging with strangers, armed with Islam’s guidance to be forbearing and to verify before judging. At the start of his day he reflected on God’s words: “O you who believe, if a wrongdoer brings you news, verify it,” contemplating the profound wisdom of the verse and how it guides the believer to verify and not rush to judge people. That day, Fawzooz faced a situation with a stranger that called for careful understanding and communication.

He recalled the Prophet’s way, peace be upon him, of listening well and not passing judgement without knowledge, avoiding the trap of hasty, superficial assumptions. He felt the positive effect of this practice as he took a more careful approach in his interactions, which helped him have meaningful conversations and deepen his understanding of other people’s stories and backgrounds. Fawzooz concluded that a first meeting with a stranger is a chance to learn and understand, not merely an occasion to judge or form a final picture.

“Taking time before judging and listening carefully to strangers opens horizons of deep understanding and compassionate connection; every encounter is a chance to learn and draw closer.”

He learned that every stranger carries a story and a lesson, and every meeting holds something to learn. At the close of the sixteenth day, Fawzooz had a greater appreciation of Islamic wisdom in dealing with people, and of every interaction as a bridge of connection and compassion.