Those who claim they are being treated unjustly

Satan's silent and insidious language can manifest itself sometimes as innocent, sometimes as extremely negative, insensitive, cold, distant, despairing, untrusting, peevish and arrogant. But one of the most distinctive ways in which the satanic character emerges is in claims of being unjustly treated. Satan was the first to make this claim. The Qur'an tells us that he disobeyed Allah's command with the idea that he was being unjustly treated. Satan's situation is described in these words:

We created you and then formed you and then We said to the angels, "Prostrate before Adam," and they prostrated—except for Diabolis. He was not among those who prostrated. He said, "What prevented you from prostrating when I commanded you to?" He replied, "I am better than him. You created me from fire and You created him from clay." He said, "Descend from Heaven. It is not for you to be arrogant in it. So get out! You are one of the abased." (Surat al-A'raf: 11-13)

Satan refused to obey Allah's command to prostrate himself before Adam (as) claiming that he was superior to Adam (as):

... He said, "I will not prostrate to a human being whom You have created out of dried clay formed from fetid black mud." (Surat al-Hijr: 33)

Satan made a distorted judgment and rebelled, thinking that he had been treated unjustly. (Surely Allah is beyond that!) According to his own distorted criteria, the fire from which he was created was much superior to the mud from which Adam (as) was created. He did not think it becoming for one created with such excellence to prostrate himself before a human being. He grew arrogant in this perverse and rebellious morality and did not obey Allah's command. The Qur'an tells us that his perverse way of thinking stemming from arrogance drew satan into rebellion:

We said to the angels, "Prostrate to Adam!" and they prostrated, with the exception of Diabolis. He refused and was arrogant and was one of the unbelievers. (Surat al-Baqara: 34)

This shows clearly how this psychology of being treated unjustly produces very dangerous thinking. It does not fit in with religious morality; this way of thinking makes people rebel against Allah, reject religion and finally draws them into the eternal flames of Hell unless Allah wills otherwise. /p>

This behavioral aberration manifests itself in various ways. Satan so deeply engrains in some people this idea of being treated unjustly that they rebel against Allah and lapse into denying His existence. Others do believe in Allah, His infinite justice and that He has created everything for a good purpose, but their faith is weak. Satan approaches such people in a much more insidious way. He teaches them methods to deceive themselves into believing that all these thoughts actually come from their own good intentions and their desire to be better people. Satan persuaded also himself with the same methods. The Qur'an tells us that during the time given to him in this earthly life, satan calls all human beings to deny Allah and finally in the next world, will say that he fears Him:

They are like satan when he says to a human being, "Disbelieve," and then when he disbelieves, says, "I wash my hands of you. Truly I fear Allah, the Lord of all the worlds." (Surat al-Hashr: 16)

This information given in the Qur'an shows that satan still thinks of himself as one who fears Allah, despite his many endeavors against religion and the fact that he was driven from the Garden cursed and resented. All the games that satan plays with people are based on this way of thinking. These people claim that they fear and respect Allah and are true Muslims with sincere intentions; but thinking that they have been treated unjustly, they try to cast doubt on Allah's justice. Sometimes this idea continues to grow inside them, drawing them into total denial of His existence. Despite this, still they claim that they're on the right path. But in the Qur'an, Allah defines the way they really look at things and their moral make-up:

... They have brought injustice and falsehood. (Surat al-Furqan: 4)

In the following pages, we will consider the psychology of being treated unjustly that satan has taught these people and the sick way of thinking that gives it expression. But first, we can show that these claims are groundless with verses from the Qur'an.

Allah will not permit people to suffer even as
much injustice as a tiny fiber in a date seed

People who are influenced by satan's intimations although they know about faith and believe they are being treated unjustly would see the contradiction in satan's stratagem if they think about this with an open mind only for a few minutes. That is because, it is unlikely that a person fears Allah and at the same time believes he is treated unjustly. To fear Allah means to have deep love for Him, and an intimate relationship with Him and faithfulness. Such a person knows all the sublime names of Allah and, no matter what happens, he knows that Allah has created everything for the best purpose; and knows, too, that He will give him the most just and merciful recompense.

He is certain that Allah is the closest and must trustworthy friend any sincere believer could have, that He will always support him with His help, love and kindness. Anyone who grasps these things will never think that he is being treated unjustly. Allah has revealed this truth to humanity in the Qur'an:

Allah does not wrong anyone by so much as the smallest speck... (Surat an-Nisa': 40)

We will set up the Just Balance on the Day of Resurrection and no self will be wronged in any way. Even if it is no more than the weight of a grain of mustard-seed, We will produce it. We are sufficient as a Reckoner. (Surat al-Anbiya': 47)

... You will not be wronged by so much as "the smallest speck." bile haksızlığa uğratılmayacaksınız." (Nisa Suresi, 77)

... They will not be wronged by so much as the tiniest speck. (Surat an-Nisa': 124)

Elsewhere in the Qur'an, Allah tells us that those who hold such an idea have sickness and doubt in their hearts:

Is there a sickness in their hearts or do they have misgivings or do they fear that Allah and His Messenger will be unjust to them? No, it is simply that they are wrongdoers. (Surat an-Nur: 50)

All these verses show that people must be heartless to assume such an "unjust" attitude while knowing of Allah's infinite mercy and generosity toward humanity. This is clear slander against Allah, and anyone who behaves in such a way, knowing the moral teachings of the Qur'an, will be held greatly accountable in the world to come. Indeed, satan will also receive great return for his unseemly daring. In the Qur'an, Allah tells us of the reward satan received because he thought he had been treated unjustly and rebelled:

He said, "Get out of it, reviled and driven out. As for those of them who follow you, I will fill up Hell with every one of you." (Surat al-A'raf: 18)

"My curse is upon you until the Day of Reckoning." (Surah Sâd: 78)

He said, "Descend from Heaven. It is not for you to be arrogant in it. So get out! You are one of the abased." (Surat al-A'raf: 13)

Hidden insincerity of those who claim they have
been treated unjustly

If we look closely at the lives of those whom satan tries to win over, we see that they have spent a large part of their lives in feeling that they've been treated unjustly, and show this attitude in much of their behavior. They have so convinced themselves that this is really so that they interpret everything in light of it. They can feel unjustly treated by the most irrelevant occurrences; they are saddened and find subjects on which to counter-attack. In the Qur'an, Allah draws attention to how these people look at things:

... They imagine every cry to be against them.... (Surat al-Munafiqun: 4)

Most often, people around are not even aware that an individual thinks this way. For this reason, they behave toward him in all sincerity. But one under satan's influence interprets this sincere behavior in a negative way. His interpretations have no relation to reality, yet he convinces himself of their truth and enters a spiritual state that conflicts with the morality of the Qur'an. He does not think that he can live according to Muslim values, unless he considers Allah's existence, the wonderful workings of destiny, that there is a good purpose in everything and that Allah has created this world as a place of testing. He never lets it cross his mind that he'll be held responsible in the world to come for his doubts and lack of trust in Allah and that following satan will draw him into the flames of Hell.

The most important thoughts that occupy him are how right he was in a certain situation and did not receive the recompense he deserved. So obsessed with these ideas is he that the secret anger over not receiving his due and his furious desire to obtain it takes over his whole personality. After this stage, he cannot think rationally about what happened or grasp advice that he acts in an auspicious manner. Insisting on his rights has become a deep obsession for such a person; at every opportunity he finds ways to prove himself deserving. The only thing in his mind, day and night and in everything he does, is to think about the hundreds of ways he has been treated unjustly. He convinces himself so completely with these unfounded ideas that, when he encounters similar behavior or words, what was hidden in his hearts spills out of his mouth.

Allah describes the spiritual state of these people who cooperate with satan:

You who believe! Do not take any outside yourselves as intimates. They will do anything to harm you. They love what causes you distress. Hatred has appeared out of their mouths, but what their breasts hide is far worse. We have made the signs clear to you if you use your intellect.(Surah Al 'Imran: 118)

These people are in a spiritual state far removed from the morality of the Qur'an. But they claim to be totally sincere and well-intentioned. Here are a few instances of the insincerity of their behavior and the silent messages they give to convince others of their claim:

Because they are so confident in themselves,
they do not like others

One of the most powerful traits in those who use the silent language of satan is their satisfaction with themselves. Like satan, they think that they have attained a level of superiority that no one else has, that no one will even reach the level they have attained. They believe that they are most intelligent and know things that no one else does. Under the influence of this perverse idea, they always give advice to other people and show them the right way. This shows that their awareness is hazy and—as is the case with satan—these people want to make themselves seem important by belittling others.

In several places in the Qur'an, Allah tells us that these individuals, because of their idea of their own importance, say that they do not like people with a sincere faith:

In this way We try some of them by means of others so that they say, "Are these the people among us to whom Allah has shown His favor?"... (Surat al-An'am: 53)

When they are told, 'Believe in the way that the people believe,' they say, "What! Are we to believe in the way that fools believe?" No indeed! They are the fools, but they do not know it. (Surat al-Baqara: 13)

We see from these verses that others have a better moral character than they do. But their constantly growing sense of their own importance prevents them from appreciating this superiority. Satan has taught them both his secret language and to look at others with the intent of finding their faults. For this reason, they can't accept that others are superior to them in intelligence or awareness. They express this jealousy, either in secret or openly. They take every opportunity to find faults in others and exalt themselves, and do not hesitate to use satanic logic or assume a personality in conflict with the moral teachings of the Qur'an.

However, Allah says in the Qur'an that the superiority that individuals have is theirs by His providence.

... We raise the rank of anyone We will. Over everyone with knowledge is a Knower. (Surah Yusuf: 76)

This being the case, always aware that another may be morally superior to himself and have more expansive knowledge, a person must be humble in his manners.

Besides this, believers see what is lacking in one another and inform one another of it, because they believe what Allah has revealed in the Qur'an: He has made them responsible for commanding good, avoiding evil, and calling on others to lead a good moral life. For this reason, believers tell others of their faults so that they can better themselves and become more lovable. Believers want happiness for one another, both in this world and the next.

But these people in question find fault with others and do not want them to atone for their mistakes. Their only goal in telling others their faults is to make themselves seem superior. For the same purpose, they sometimes invent errors or shortcomings in ordinary behavior in an attempt to vaunt their own superiority.

The secret anger in the psychology of being
treated unjustly

When satan was expected to prostrate himself to Adam (as), he grew consumed by anger against human beings and, when he was cursed and driven out of the Garden, that anger turned into great enmity. He then swore to pursue his anger until the Last Day.

Such a secret anger, similar to satan's, can be seen in those individuals who use his insidious language. Those who deny Allah demonstrate anger in their beliefs, lifestyles, and ignorant moral characters. Even though they claim to have faith, they hoard a secret sickness in their hearts. They know that such anger is unjustified because they know from the Qur'an that Allah is just, His mercy is infinite and He is the Protector of humanity. But their lower selves, under satan's influence, constantly incite them to anger. When they cannot stop that anger from erupting, they hide it as much as they can from sincere believers. Some people deliberately project this anger; others keep it inside and convince themselves that somehow, they will overcome it in time. But as long as they do not turn to Allah, this same hidden anger will curdle into an irresistible resentment. It will begin to direct everything they do or think, every decision they make, and then they will be closer to adopting the kind of morality that satan desires. The people against whom they direct their anger are actually people with faith, whom they love and trust and who should be their closest friends.

There's no reason why they should be angry with people who, out of their fear for Allah, lead good moral lives, always stand up for what is right and good, and treat others with love, respect and friendship. When they are able to escape satan's influence even a little, they realize this and blame themselves for their anger. But their lower selves, with its satanic intimations, soothes these pangs of conscience and they deliberately continue with their inconsistent behavior.

Satan provides the reasons for them to be angry with people who believe, despite their many good qualities. These reasons' common feature is their resentment at the ways in which believers call on them to exercise goodness.

We can briefly list some of the basic reasons for the anger of those under satan's influence:

- Believers can use the Qur'an to analyze the sick characters of these individuals. Believers uncover the real characters that these people are hiding in everything they do, in their every action and word. So, in order not to give themselves away too much, they conceal themselves and remain hidden. But because believers can perceive their unseemly morality, they grow angry at them.

- In spite of their lower selves' intense desire to be right, what Muslims say—with Allah's help— always proves to be true. For this reason, they can never attain the desires of their lower selves, which run contrary to the Qur'an. Believers show that their false ideas and satanic logic are confused, wrong, and ineffective.

- They cannot obtain the appreciation they think they deserve by any means. They see that Allah is generous only to those who sincerely believe in Him; and they understand that as the Qur'an says, they "... have nothing in their breasts except for pride which they will never be able to vindicate." (Surah Ghafir: 56) They struggle to attain these desires, but realize that they never will; and so, experience deep anger because of their lack of knowledge.

- Those they regard as inferior to themselves are appreciated and honored for their good moral characters and sincerity. They are always in the background, however, and in these people's shadow.

- Very satisfied with themselves, they want to have a say in everything. Regarding others as inferior (although they are actually superior), it is very hard for their lower selves to listen to what anyone else says or take their advice or recommendations. They don't see their own deficiencies and so can't find any remedy for them. That these others try to show them the way causes secret anger in their hearts.

They point out the faults of others in order to hide
their own mistakes.

Conversations using satan's secret language are full of clues that sincere Muslims notice. These people always point out the faults of others, trying to cover over their own unseemly moral characters. They use satan's language in their desire to divert attention from themselves, lest their own morality be criticized. This way, they try to confuse matters and ensure that topics relating to them are overlooked. Their purpose is always the same: to be in the right… If a discussion is interrupted at a point they planned, and attention is directed to someone else—and especially if what they said about that individual is accurate—then the direction of the matter will change in the way they desire. The matter concerning themselves will be forgotten and they will be in right again.

To this end, they feel the need to make a careful analysis of what happens around them (if only to make use of it in similar situations that may arise later). Yet this is not a well-intentioned analysis, but an insidious examination. They notice who made errors and when, what reactions they provoked and what was said; and they keep all these details clear in their minds. At the right time, they'll reveal all this "evidence," and, according to their distorted way of thinking, obtain the justice they deserve.

However, Allah's justice is manifested in the best way among human beings. People of sincere faith will obtain their reward from Allah's mercy; but others who play games with their insincere thoughts will receive what they most justly deserve in this world and the Hereafter. When they compare themselves with others by pointing out their errors, all they are trying to do is obtain satanic justice. Their main goal in doing so is to attain, by satan's distorted idea of justice, a superiority they do not deserve. But their efforts are in vain; they will never attain it. As in the case of satan himself, these individuals will also receive the repayment of Allah's justice.

Every human being is responsible for his own actions. Judging others and comparing one's self to them is useless from the point of view of one's position in the next world. In the Qur'an, Allah swore an oath: "No! I swear by the self-reproaching self." (Surat al-Qiyama: 2) It must be remembered that being able to criticize one's lower self and see what is wrong with it is a good characteristic of a Muslim. Only in this way can a person attain a good moral character and receive Allah's mercy.

Although they try to cause dissension, they say
they are correcting others.

Some people who know Allah's infinite mercy, the perfect workings of destiny and the morality of the Qur'an that brings contentment to human beings but try to give the secret impression that they have been treated unjustly are held accountable in the sight of Allah. With such attitude, they behave in such a way as to create dissension among believers, and the Qur'an tells us that such people should beware of their wickedness. Such people are called hannas (devils) in the Qur'an; their characters give secret apprehensions to hearts and stir up dissent:

Say: "I seek refuge with the Lord of humanity, the King of humanity, the Allah of humanity, from the evil of the insidious whisperer who whispers in people's breasts and comes from the jinn and from humanity." (Surat an-Nas: 1-6)

These people are absolutely certain that they have been treated unjustly; they make mischief among believers by satan's intimations. In order to prove themselves right and to protect their pride, they don't hesitate to create confusion among believers in an attempt to drag them down to their own spiritual state. They show unseemly boldness in their insidious activities and give no thought to what results will ensue in this world and the next. They do not intend to live their lives like Muslims and seek every opportunity to create confusion in almost everything they do and say. When told what they are doing, that their actions are contrary to the Qur'an, they do not accept the admonition because they are under satan's influence. On the contrary, they defend themselves, insisting that they are well-intentioned. They maintain that their intention is not to create confusion, but to do good; that they want to correct others and be of some use to other people:

... they come to you swearing by Allah: "We desired nothing but good and reconciliation?" (Surat an-Nisa': 62)

But Allah says that their way of thinking is false and that their basic aim is to "create dissension":

When they [hypocrites] are told, "Do not cause corruption on the Earth," they say, "We are only putting things right." No indeed! They are the corrupters, but they are not aware of it. (Surat al-Baqara: 11-12)

Elsewhere in the Qur'an, Allah tells us that devils deceive these people into thinking that they are on the right path. Then they actually call on their friends to join them on that path.

Say: "Are we to call on something besides Allah which can neither help nor harm us, and to turn on our heels after Allah has guided us, like someone the demons have lured away in the earth, leaving him confused and stupefied, despite the fact that he has companions calling him to guidance, saying, 'Come with us!'?" Say: "Allah's guidance, that is true guidance. We are commanded to submit as Muslims to the Lord of all the worlds." (Surat an-An'am: 71)

These verses of the Qur'an show that satan made these people do these things for the sake of goodness, truth and perfection. They show that he calls them to practice his morality for the sake of spreading justice among humanity. However, these people are witnesses to the insincerity of their own words. They know very well what words and logic satan leads them to use from moment to moment. At the same time, they know that their conscience tells them to give up their unseemly behavior and inspires them to behave in a proper way. Satan approaches them from a place they do not know and performs his diabolical actions through these people. He has weakened the wills of these people he has taken under his influence and made them unable to hear their conscience's voice.

By satan's influence, these people pretend that they do good by correcting others. But Allah warns them against satan's stratagems. He says that all their efforts will be in vain in this world, that they will obtain their proper reward in Hell:

People whose efforts in the life of this world are misguided while they suppose that they are doing good. (Surat al-Kahf: 104)

They distort the meaning of words said to them to
give the impression that they are treated unjustly

Satan intimates to people that they are always being treated unjustly, to distance them from sincere faith. The wickedness reflected in the spiritual state of those under satan's influence is intricate and varied. One of these kinds of wickedness is concealed in what they say when distressed at thinking they've been treated unjustly. Often when we examine the general meaning of what they say, we see them defending themselves by misstating the facts. Such a person puts into his sentences the satanic message he wants to give in such a way that his bad intentions cannot be noticed. Even if he says something positive that others agree with, his words will suggest denial and rejection. His sentences are constructed with reverse logic. He begins a conversation in a conciliatory way, but with insidious words in the middle of his sentences, he implies that the others' intelligence is not up to the matter under discussion.

We can give a few common examples of the methods used by these people who tend to think themselves treated unjustly. When told that it would be better to avoid falling sick by avoiding the cold weather, he first forms a positive sentence accepting the idea: "That's right! From now on, I'll be careful." But later, expressing his sadness, he somehow brings a satanic manner into play. He may say, for example, "You're right. I didn't think going outside was such a bad idea or such a big deal." With these words, he makes the recommendation seem trivial, even irrelevant. He's making the other person seem to have made a strange and illogical recommendation. But he makes himself seem put-upon by complying with the unjust recommendation. However, the other person's recommendation was well-intentioned and far from being insincere.

This is a classic secret method often used by people living in societies far removed from the moral teachings of the Qur'an who seek to intimidate others by making it seem that they've made an illogical request. For example, when people of such character are admonished that they should spend their money wisely, they reply, "Yes, I'll be careful. I won't eat or drink a thing," interpreting what the other person said in a different way than what they intended. This is a method of making the other person regret what he said and amend his words. In this instance, the person concerned gathers evidence so he can claim that he was given irrelevant advice. However, there is no way that an intelligent person would recommend anything to harm another person's health or keep him from meeting his natural needs.

Those who tend to believe they are treated unjustly respond to people with faith calling them to virtue with this method all the time. But the only result they obtain with this kind of insincere behavior is that their approaching more closely to satan's own moral character. As Allah says in the Qur'an, correct behavior is the best way to disarm these false methods:

Rather We hurl the truth against falsehood and it cuts right through its brain and it vanishes clean away! Woe without end for you for what you portray! (Surat al-Anbiya': 18)

They interpret the Qur'an in such a way as to
justify themselves and their behavior

Those who pretend that they are treated unjustly enter a spiritual state in which they are ready to do things that run contrary to the Qur'an in order to justify themselves. As we said before, these people draw dangerous deductions from their insincere stratagems and make many false accusations against others. In order to show their innocence, they deliberately interpret the Qur'an erroneously. The Qur'an draws our attention to this game that they play to legitimize their aberrant characters:

It is He Who sent down the Book to you from Him: verses containing clear judgments—they are the core of the Book—and others which are open to interpretation. Those with deviation in their hearts follow what is open to interpretation in it, desiring conflict, seeking its inner meaning. No one knows its inner meaning but Allah. Those firmly rooted in knowledge say, "We believe in it. All of it is from our Lord." But only people of intelligence pay heed. (Surah Al 'Imran: 7)

As this verse says, the verses of the Qur'an are very clear and understandable. Using insincere methods to find justification for bad moral behavior is an important indication of the sickness these people hide in their hearts. Like all the satanic traps they set, this one too is destroyed by Allah's will.

They make accusations against believers in order
to seem in the right

Many verses of the Qur'an say that Muslims are deeply attached to one another in love and faithfulness, and that firm friendship exists among them. But if one becomes friends with believers not out of faith and fear of Allah, but for his own gain, this bond will be easily broken for reasons related to one's lower self. When contending with their lower selves, those under satan's influence may disregard in an instant their relationship with believers; making false accusations against them to prove that they are in the right. They tell nasty lies and make mischief. However, Allah says in the Qur'an that making accusations is wrong, that believers must avoid listening to these kinds of accusations:

You were bandying it about on your tongues, your mouths uttering something about which you had no knowledge. You considered it to be a trivial matter, but, in Allah's sight, it is immense. Why, when you heard it, did you not say, "We have no business speaking about this. Glory be to You! This is a terrible slander!"? Allah warns you never to repeat the like of it again if you believe. (Surat an-Nur: 15-17)

They try to blame believers for things that
happen to them

These people, consumed by the thought of being treated unjustly, persist in their unseemly morality even after being warned; they think that others are responsible for whatever negative things happen to them. They know what faith is and that they ought to behave morally, but still follow satan. They do not listen to advice, but persist in their wickedness. They refuse to change, even though Allah has given them various warnings, which are a great mercy toward these people both in this world and the next.

The warnings' purpose is to make them open their awareness to see the truth and realize that they are following the wrong path. Allah reveals this in the Qur'an: "Do they not see that they are tried once or twice in every year? But still they do not turn back. They do not pay heed." (Surat at-Tawba: 126) Allah tells us that the negative things that happen to human beings are meant to cause them to turn to faith: "... We seized them with punishment so that hopefully they would turn back." (Surat az-Zukhruf: 48)

But these warnings are difficult for people whose lower selves claim that they are important and in the right. They feign ignorance about them. They claim that others are responsible for the anxieties that befall them. In the Qur'an, Allah gives the example of the people of a city who displayed just such a moral character and to whom He sent a Messenger.

They [the inhabitants of the city] said [to Our messengers], "We see an evil omen in you. If you do not stop we will stone you and you will suffer a painful punishment at our hands." They said, "Your evil omen is in yourselves. Is it not just that you have been reminded? No, you are an unbridled people!" (Surah Ya Sin: 18-19)

In the continuation of the verse, Allah says that the condition of these people claiming they suffered injustice because of the advice given them arose from their having exceeded their bounds. If they behaved according to the Qur'an, they would see that their misery may be a warning from Allah and would fear him and correct their morality.

The idea that Allah may inflict suffering in the Afterlife would cause a person of normal intelligence to fear and regret. Considering what he had done, he would repent, abandon satan, take refuge in Allah and completely change his intentions. But in such a situation, some people are determined to maintain their friendship with satan; the idea of being treated unjustly grows in their minds and they continue to make accusations against others. In the Qur'an, Allah gives further examples of the way these people operate:

Whenever a good thing came to them, they said, "This is our due." But if anything bad happened to them, they would blame their ill fortune on Musa and those with him. No indeed! The ill fortune is theirs in Allah's sight. But most of them did not know. (Surat al-A'raf: 131)

They said, "We see you, and those with you, as an evil omen." He [Salih] said, "No, your evil omen is with Allah; you are merely a people undergoing a trial." (Surat an-Naml: 47)

From these verses, we can see that the situation of those claiming they are treated unjustly and holding sincere believers responsible for their misery comes from their weak faith—or their lack of it.

They claim that they are treated unjustly because
others suspect the intentions of their hearts

One insincere method these people use to prove they are in the right is to claim that others judge their inner intentions, which no one can really know. This way, they seek to keep anyone from interfering with them and finding shortcomings in their personalities. However, Muslims never make judgments about the intentions of anyone's heart. They take as the basis of any judgments the signs that Allah has revealed to them in the Qur'an. They know that indications taken from these examinations are only opinions, and that only Allah knows the truth.

Those under satan's influence see others' meticulousness and sincerity in this matter, but try to put those others in the wrong and make themselves seem innocent. They say, "Only Allah knows the human heart" to stop others from urging them toward goodness.

Claiming to have good traits, they try to hide their
wickedness and appear to be right

Their idea of their own good qualities deceives these people and makes them insist they are right. They know that their efforts in some matters is why, under satan's influence, they see themselves as sufficient and feel no need to improve their moral characters. They are totally deceived by the idea that they are better than others and are trying much harder than they. But attaining better qualities in this regard does not improve other aspects. To exhibit a Muslim morality in some aspects and to follow satan in others is inconsistent with the morality of the Qur'an. If one resists to live the kind of life pleasing to Allah, and thinks he is being treated unjustly in the petty matters that conflict with his lower self, he must compensate for these aspects of his character. Otherwise, his other endeavors will be in vain.

Those who refuse to think about this, telling themselves that they have shortcomings in certain areas and placing their better aspects to the fore, claim that their good points have never been noticed and that their negative aspects have always been complained of. In doing this, they are insincerely trying to show that they are right. However, if a person does have some good aspects, they'll certainly get noticed. Even if no one else perceives them, it is enough that Allah does.

But the fact that a person has good qualities is no reason for his shortcomings not to be ignored. Allah will examine everyone in the next life regarding the deeds he has done, and everyone will receive the appropriate reward for the good and the evil he has done. For this reason, if people with faith tell another of his shortcomings, it will be beneficial for him. He will certainly benefit from compensating for these deficiencies. For this reason, those who espouse an insincere morality use their secret methods to stop those others who summon them to goodness, but in so doing, they are harming only themselves.

Even while the angels take their souls, they will
claim that they have been treated unjustly, saying
that they have done no wickedness and have
been treated unjustly

Those who have become slaves to the idea that they're being treated unjustly will never renounce it until the moment they die. Until then, they will claim that they have been misunderstood. they have never been able to express to others that their hearts are really pure, and are well-intentioned and innocent. They imagine that they have been unfairly treated because they cannot express themselves well, that no one has been able to understand them except themselves.

At the base of all this blame they direct toward others is their insincerity towards Allah, Who created all the things they have experienced. The Qur'an tells us that these individuals will see nothing wrong in defending themselves to Allah even at the moment of their deaths:

As for those the angels take in death while they are wronging themselves, they will offer their submission: "We did not do any evil." Oh yes you did! Allah knows what you were doing. (Surat an-Nahl: 28)

Instead of leading their lives in a way to please Allah, they follow satan and, although called to the true path, they do not give up their wickedness. Since they constantly find various means of justifying themselves, they do not hesitate to defend themselves until the last minute. The Qur'an tells us that these people have made a sickness out of their desire to be right and that, in doing so, have not exhibited the character of a Muslim:

Those who associate others with Allah will say, "If Allah had willed we would not have associated anything with Him, nor would our fathers; nor would we have made anything forbidden." In the same way the people before them also lied until they felt Our violent force. Say: "Do you have some knowledge you can produce for us? You are following nothing but conjecture. You are only guessing." (Surat al-An'am: 148)

In other verses we are told about their insincere lies in this regard:

Or lest they should say, "If only Allah had guided me, I would have had heedfulness." (Surat az-Zumar: 57)

... If only you could see when the wrongdoers, standing in the presence of their Lord, cast accusations back and forth at one another! Those deemed weak will say to those deemed great, "Were it not for you, we would have been believers!" (Surah Saba': 31)