I once knew a Muslim girl who loved wearing short skirts, the shortest shorts possible and tank tops. She used to go dancing at discos with her boyfriend(s). Go out late at night.
I vividly remember one day, I saw her wearing the skimpiest of clothes, and thought to myself – Ya Allah, whats wrong with this girl? Why does she dress like that??
I judged her. At the time, I felt superior to her because I was covered. I didn’t say anything to her about it. I sort of stayed away from her. Didnt want to get ‘infected’. Syaitan had played a trick on me. He tricked me into thinking I was better because I went to halaqah, mixed with the ‘good’ kids, went to Islamic talks. My headscarf covered my chest and I didn’t wear revealing clothes.
A few years after that, I met her again, she had already started wearing a proper hijab and modest clothing. She had started going to Quranic classes as well. I was shocked, but happy for her. She told me she felt like a newborn. Like she was given a second chance to do things right.
Recently I met her again, this time she was wearing a niqab. I didn’t recognise her! She had changed so much. She held my hands and told me that I had somewhat ‘helped’ her to be better. That she read my fb posts and sometimes felt like I was talking to her.
All I felt was shame. She didn’t know that I judged her once upon a time. That I looked at her and had negative thoughts. That I didn’t say a sincere prayer for her to be a better Muslim.
We both had tears in our eyes. Hers was probably due to happiness and Iman.. mine was pure shame and guilt and fear.
Allah sent her to me to teach me a lesson. Astaghfirullah is all I can say.
Sharing this so it can be a lesson to all of us. A reminder for me. A slap in the face.
Never ever judge someone. It’s not our place to do that. We should only pray that Allah gives Hidayah to them. And that He continues to keep our hearts in line towards Him.
Source: Za’Faran Hisham
