Such as the four imams. This is because, when a funeral procession passed by and people praised the deceased, the Prophet ﷺ said, “It has become obligatory”—that is, Paradise has become obligatory for him. Then another funeral procession passed by, and people spoke ill of the deceased, so he said, “It has become obligatory.” He then said to them, “You are Allah’s witnesses on earth.” (1)

Accordingly, we testify that these imams, concerning whom the ummah—or the greater part of it—has unanimously agreed in praise, are in Paradise. Yet our testimony that they are in Paradise is not like our testimony concerning those for whom the Messenger ﷺ himself testified.

He said: “It is prohibited to think ill of a Muslim whose outward conduct indicates uprightness.” That is, it is prohibited to think ill of a Muslim. As for a disbeliever, it is not prohibited to think ill of him, for he is deserving of that.

As for one known for immorality and wickedness, there is no blame in thinking ill of him, for he is deserving of that. Even so, one should not seek out people’s faults and investigate them, for by doing so he may be engaging in spying.

He said: “It is recommended to think well of a Muslim.” That is, it is recommended for a person to think well of Muslims. If a person makes a statement that may bear either a good or an evil meaning, understand it in a good sense so long as there is a plausible basis for doing so. Likewise, if a person does something that may be interpreted either positively or negatively, interpret it positively so long as there is a plausible basis for doing so. For this removes the rancour, enmity, and hatred from your heart, and brings you peace of mind.