The Ruling on Suspicion, Its Cure, and Its Criterion

Also from Iraq, Baghdad (M. M. N.) asks two questions: In his first question: He describes himself, Your Eminence the Shaykh, as having bad suspicions about many people. What do you advise him?
Answer: Allah the Exalted says: [Al-Hujurat: 12].
And the Prophet (peace and blessings be upon him) said: It is agreed upon as authentic.
So it is obligatory for you, O questioner! to fear Allah, and not to have bad suspicions about people except with conditions and causes. As for bad suspicion in general, this is an error, and you have no right to do so: . But if it is established for you by fair evidence or by observation that he takes the stance of suspicion and sits in gatherings of suspicion, then this is the place for bad suspicion. Otherwise, fear Allah and beware of bad suspicion about people. And you must interpret them in the best possible way unless you find otherwise, unless you know otherwise. And you must also avoid associating with those you suspect and have bad suspicions about, due to their corruption and their turning away from the religion of Allah. Stay away from them and mix with the people of good and uprightness. Seek out righteous companions for yourself. If you do not find them, then stay in your home, except at the time of prayer when you go out and pray with the Muslims. And stay away from associating with the wicked, and fear Allah until you find a good companion and a righteous friend. As for having bad suspicions about people without a cause and without a reason, this is not permissible; rather, it is contrary to the saying of the Exalted: [Al-Hujurat: 12]; and to the saying of the Prophet (peace and blessings be upon him): . Yes.