Summary of Letter:
باسمه تعالى
Respected Mufti Saheb
السلام عليكم و رحمة الله و بركاته
Whenever I notice anybody doing something against the Shariah, such as swearing, etc., I immediately begin despising the person. My nafs then says to me: “You are much better than him. Others beside you are all despicable.” I humbly request Hazrath to help me remedy this situation.
Summary of Reply:
باسمه تعالى
Respected Brother/Sister
السلام عليكم و رحمة الله و بركاته
To despise a person upon observing him committing a sin is itself a serious crime (only the sin should be despised — never despise the person). At such a time one should consider his own sins. He should address himself thus: ” There are numerous vices in me which I am fully aware of. How absolutely despicable I have become due to these sins! On the day of Qiyamah, I will be questioned about my own sins, not about the vices of others. Allah Ta’ala says: “You are not responsible for what I (Rasulullah Sallallahu Alaihi Wasallam) do and I am not responsible for what you do.” To despise anyone is a sin on its own — and a very serious one too. It is NOT a trivial matter. Allah Ta’ala will question me on the day of Judgement: “If my servants committed any wrong, what right did you have to despise them?” (What will I then answer?)”
Ponder over this regularly. Insha-Allah, you will benefit from it.
(Maktubaat v.1, p.96)