This, then, is proof that in this worldly life we deal with people according to what is outwardly apparent, whereas what lies in their hearts is deferred until the Day of Resurrection, when every secret will be exposed and every hidden intention revealed. For that reason, dear brothers, we must first purify our hearts and then our outward limbs.

As for the way we treat others, we are required to judge by the outward. Listen to the words of the Messenger ﷺ: “You bring your disputes to me. Perhaps one of you is more eloquent in presenting his case than another, so I rule in his favor on the basis of what I hear. If, by doing so, I award someone a share of his brother’s right, I have only allotted for him a brand from the Fire; let him take it in small measure or in large.” The Prophet ﷺ thus based his judgments in litigation on what was evident, but remember that Hellfire awaits the one who lies in his claim, swaying the judge through skillful speech or false testimony—the only thing truly granted to him is a burning coal, whether big or small.

To sum up: in this world people are judged by the outward, while on the Day of Judgment they will be judged by the inward.

Therefore, we must deal with others according to what we observe of their state, leaving their inner reality to Allah. As for ourselves, we must cleanse our own hearts so that they contain nothing corrupt—no calamity, arrogance, rancor, envy, idolatry, or doubt. We ask Allah to shelter us from such traits, for they are exceedingly dangerous.