Do Not Consider Someone Inferior Due to Their Sin (Shaykh al-Islam Hazrat Maulana Mufti Muhammad Taqi Usmani)
It was advised that if you see someone indulging in sin, sometimes a feeling of contempt may arise in your heart, where you think this person is inferior, and that you are superior to them.
This sense of self-importance and the contempt for the other person develops in the heart, but considering someone inferior or looking down upon them is itself a sin. One should not look down on anyone. A person caught in sin deserves compassion, not contempt, as they have become trapped in sin and its curse. Show mercy towards them.
Furthermore, it was advised that if you see someone engaged in sin, instead of developing pride and contempt, you should thank Allah for keeping you safe from that sin and pray for the sinner.
Say, “O Allah! With Your mercy, save this person from this sin, grant them guidance, and lead them to the right path.” Hazrat Mufti Muhammad Shafi (may Allah sanctify his soul) used to say that those who are caught in sin are truly deserving of pity. Just like a person who is physically ill is pitied and prayed for, these individuals are spiritually ill. So, pray for them, asking Allah to, through His grace and mercy, save them from the affliction of sin.
(Dars-e-Shu’ab Al-Iman, Volume 3, Pages 205-206)
This Malfooz is selected by Dr. Faisal Sahib.