On the Day of Judgment, Allah will divide the testimonies of people into two categories: those who were hurt by you and those you helped. This distinction highlights the critical importance of how we treat others throughout our lives.

While personal religiosity matters—such as prayer and fasting—Allah does not require others to testify about your worship. Instead, what truly matters is how you impacted others: were you a source of harm or a source of help?

The Standard of Justice Between Us and Others

When it comes to matters between us and other people, Allah will hold us to a standard of justice. It would be unjust for Allah to forgive the wrongdoer on behalf of the one who was harmed, and thus, Allah’s justice will prevail.

The Prophet SallAllahu Alaihi Wasallam emphasized that the first matter to be judged between people on the Day of Judgment will be bloodshed. A profound hadith describes a murdered person dragging their murderer to Allah, seeking justice, with their jugular vein still dripping with blood.

Imagine the solemnity of such a scene, where people come before Allah to demand retribution for the wrongs done to them.

The Dangers of Wronging Others

Imam Sufyan Al-Thawri Rahimahullah warned that meeting Allah with 70 sins between you and Allah would be easier than facing Him with a single sin between you and His servant. The Prophet SallAllahu Alaihi Wasallam further cautioned that those who wrong others will be held accountable, regardless of their relationship to the person they wronged.

Whether a Muslim or non-Muslim, anyone who suffers injustice will be granted justice by Allah, and their case will be handled with utmost fairness.

The Prophet SallAllahu Alaihi Wasallam also said that whoever wrongs someone under a covenant, such as a person of the Book (Jew or Christian), will find the Prophet standing against them on the Day of Judgment as a prosecutor. This reminder serves to stress the seriousness of how we treat others, especially those who are vulnerable or in a weaker position.

The Harm of Words: The Tongue’s Impact

The most common form of harm we inflict on others is through the use of our tongues. The Prophet SallAllahu Alaihi Wasallam warned that "nothing causes people to fall face-first into the fire like the harvest of their tongue." Backbiting, gossip, and slander are grave offenses that can erode the good deeds we accumulate in our lifetime.

The Prophet SallAllahu Alaihi Wasallam also described a person who arrives on the Day of Judgment with a lifetime of prayers, fasting, and charity, only to find that all their good deeds have been taken away by those they wronged. The wronged individuals will take the good deeds until the sinner has nothing left, ultimately leading to their destruction.

The Mercy of Allah for the Oppressed

While the justice of Allah ensures that the wrongdoer is held accountable, Allah's mercy offers a different perspective. There will be people on the Day of Judgment who will be surprised to find good deeds credited to their account, even though they never performed them.

These good deeds will be the result of the wrongs others committed against them, such as backbiting. Even if they didn’t know about the harm caused by others, Allah will reward them for their patience and endurance.

Imagine the profound mercy of Allah, where the harm done to you by others results in blessings for you on the Day of Judgment. This reflects Allah’s boundless grace, where your perseverance through adversity becomes a source of reward.

The Importance of Protecting the Honor of Others

The message is clear: be mindful of the impact your actions and words have on others. The Prophet SallAllahu Alaihi Wasallam warned that the person who engages in backbiting or spreads gossip will find their good deeds taken away. Protecting the honor of others is a responsibility that must not be taken lightly, as it can determine your standing before Allah on the Day of Judgment.

Conclusion: The Call to Serve Others with Kindness

The Day of Judgment is a reminder of the consequences of our actions, particularly when it comes to how we treat others. The Prophet SallAllahu Alaihi Wasallam’s teachings urge us to be a source of help rather than harm.

Every word, every action, and every decision we make impacts not just our relationship with Allah but also with those around us.

Let us strive to protect the rights of others, refrain from causing harm, and always act with kindness, knowing that on the Day of Judgment, it is not only our worship that will be considered but the way we lived among people.