Stemming from this unfounded bad opinion, a gap develops between family members. This gap, fuelled by misgivings and unnecessary hatred, becomes wider as time goes on. Eventually, two members of the same family go years without even speaking to one another.

This can all be avoided if we develop the power of positive thinking. Instead of instantly hating someone, there are a host of ways you can remain positive and think well of them instead. For example, if you invite a member of your family and they could not come, you can think:

*   Maybe he is unwell.

*   Maybe he forgot.

*   Perhaps something unavoidably important came up.

*   It is possible something happened that is hard for him to talk about, and he does not want to share it with us.

There are many more positive ways we can approach this situation instead of resorting to baseless misgivings. Whether or not they tell us why they could not make it, we should always, always, always maintain good opinion and not fall prey to doubts or suspicion. By doing so, we hope to earn reward and pave our way to Paradise.

Excellence of having good opinions

The Messenger of Allah صَلَّى الـلّٰـهُ عَلَيْهِ وَاٰلِهٖ وَسَلَّم said:

حُسۡنُ الظَّنِّ مِنۡ حُسۡنِ الۡعِبَادَةِ - ‘Harbouring good opinions is (an act of) fine worship.’^[1]