The Ruling on Having Bad Opinions of Others

Question:
Our sister asks and says: Is a person held accountable for having bad opinions of others and not trusting people? Because we live in a time when we cannot trust many of those around us, and the circumstances surrounding us lead us to have bad opinions of everyone. So, will Allah hold us accountable for having bad opinions?

Answer:
Allah the Exalted says: [Surah al-Hujurat: 12], so He the Exalted commanded to avoid much of suspicion, not all suspicion, and He said: and He did not say: "All suspicion is a sin." This indicates that it is permissible to have a bad opinion when its signs appear and its evidence is seen. Thus, the one who takes positions of accusation is suspected of ill, and the woman who is alone with a man is suspected of ill, and the one who flirts with men regarding fornication and the visits between her and the man is accused of ill, and so on, whoever displays actions that indicate the ugliness of his deed is accused.
As for having a bad opinion without a cause, it is not permissible. It is not permissible for a Muslim to have a bad opinion of his brother without a cause, and without a reason, nor of his sister in Allah without a reason. This is the meaning of which is the suspicion that has no cause and no basis. This is forbidden and not permissible. And on this meaning is understood the authentic hadith, which is his saying (peace and blessings be upon him): meaning: the suspicion that has no cause and no basis, rather he suspects without accusation and without reason. This is an unjust person who is mistaken, and it is not permissible. But if it is a suspicion that has causes, there is no harm in it. Yes.

The presenter : May Allah reward you with good.