The Double Standard of Judgement

 This profound statement addresses a common human failing: the inconsistent application of judgment, particularly towards others as opposed to oneself. The saying exposes the hypocrisy of those described as 'sinful servants of God' (عَبِيدَ اَلسَّوْءِ), who fall short in their obedience.

1. The target: 'God's sinful servants'

The phrase 'God's sinful servants' ('ubayd al-saw') points to individuals who, while perhaps outwardly identifying as believers or followers of divine teachings, exhibit flawed character and behaviour. They are servants of God in name only; their actions often deviate from Allah's will, leading them to sin.

2.The Inconsistent Judgment: Blaming Others for Suspicion

Jesus (PBUH) highlights a significant flaw: 'You blame people based on mere suspicion' (taloomoon al-nas 'ala al-ẓann).

'Taloomoon al-nas': This means to criticize, reproach, or blame others.

"Al-ẓann": This signifies 'based on suspicion' or 'on conjecture'.

It describes the tendency to be quick to judge others based on flimsy evidence, hearsay, assumptions, or mere perceptions without concrete proof. Such judgments are often harsh, swift, and unforgiving. People are condemned based on what is thought or suspected about them, rather than on confirmed facts. This reflects a lack of empathy and a readiness to find fault in others.

3.The Hypocrisy: Not Blaming Oneself for Certainty

A stark contrast is then presented: 'While you don't blame yourselves, even when you are certain of your own faults' (wa la taloomoon anfusakum 'ala al-yaqeen). You blame people based on mere suspicion,('Wa la taloomoon anfusakum': This means 'and you do not blame yourselveswhile you don't blame yourselves even while certain of your own faults.

"Al-yaqeen": This signifies 'even when it is certain' or 'when it is certain'.

This is the essence of the hypocrisy. These same individuals, who are so quick to condemn others based on mere suspicion, are remarkably lenient, or even entirely neglectful, when it comes to their own clear and undeniable faults. They are sure about their own shortcomings — their sins, character flaws, and failures to live up to divine standards — yet fail to hold themselves accountable. They do not acknowledge their mistakes, feel repentance, or take corrective action.

The underlying issues:

This saying highlights several deep-seated issues:

Self-deception: people often deceive themselves by seeing their own faults as minor or justifiable while exaggerating the perceived flaws of others.

Pride and arrogance: a sense of superiority leads one to believe that they are beyond reproach, while others are deserving of criticism.

Lack of self-awareness: a failure to examine one's conscience and acknowledge one's failings.

Spiritual weakness: The inability to apply the same standards of accountability to oneself as to others indicates spiritual immaturity and a lack of commitment to genuine self-reform.

The Call to Accountability and Justice:

Jesus' statement is a powerful call for self-accountability and fair, consistent judgment. It urges individuals to:

Turn the mirror inward: before judging others, critically examine oneself.

Apply standards consistently: Hold oneself to the same (or even higher) standards that one expects from others.

Acknowledge own faults: Be acutely aware of and remorseful for one's own sins and shortcomings.

Practice empathy: recognize that others, like you, are prone to error and approach them with compassion rather than quick judgment.

So, True righteousness lies in rigorous self-examination, accountability, and applying consistent moral standards to oneself before extending them to others. By abandoning this harmful double standard, individuals can embark on a genuine journey of self-improvement and strive towards the divine ideal.