Definition of Conjecture (Ẓann)

Dear Islamic brothers! Remember, any thought that arises from a visible sign is called conjecture, also known as ẓann. For example, seeing smoke rising from afar and assuming there is a fire is ẓann.^[1]

Inference can be good or bad. A good thought about someone is called Ḥusn al-Ẓann, and a bad assumption is called Badgumānī.

Noble Aḥādīth Concerning Ḥusn al-Ẓann

1.اِنَّ حُسْنَ الظَّنِّ مِنَ الْاِيْمَان

“Indeed, Ḥusn al-Ẓann is a part of faith.”^[2]

2.The beloved Prophetصَلَّى الـلّٰـهُ عَلَيْهِ وَاٰلِهٖ وَسَلَّم   addressed the Ka'bah, saying:

How pure are you and how fragrant is you air! How great are you, and how great is your sanctity! By the One in Whose Power is the soul of Muḥammad صَلَّى الـلّٰـهُ عَلَيْهِ وَاٰلِهٖ وَسَلَّم! The sanctity of a believer's life, wealth, and good opinion about him is greater in the court of Allah Almighty than your sanctity."^[3]

3.حُسْنُ الظَّنِّ مِنْ حُسْنِ الْعِبَادَةِ   

“Ḥusn al-Ẓann is a part of good worship.”^[4]

Regarding the last Hadith, Mufti Aḥmad Yār Khan رَحْمَةُ الـلّٰـهِ عَـلَيْه states: “Maintaining a good opinion about Muslims and avoiding evil suspicions about them is among the excellent acts of worship.”^[5]