Dealing with Deceit

Thieves stealing your money and belongings. Co-workers plotting to prevent your promotion. Political rivals spreading lies and working for your character assassination. People who try to put you down by constantly asking for your time and effort.

This world is filled with evil. Some against good countries and organizations. But there is evil which is aimed at us personally. For those who believe in the Day of Judgement, how should such evil be dealt with?

Two things to keep in mind: The three stages of preventing evil in general, and the Day of Recompense.

Muslims should be against all evil no matter who it is directed at. Ideally, the evil should be acted against. If not possible, spoken out against. If even speech is infeasible, then the Muslim should at least hate such evil.

Thus, like an Islamic nation at war with an evil state, the Muslim should prepare and fight without being excessive. Make allies, showcase your achievements, verify before trusting, and refuse unreasonable demands no matter how much they invoke your mercy. We are supposed to avoid intentionally getting into unmanageable situations, even in the path of Allah - even the Sahabah who spent most of their wealth for Islam maintained enough income and thus never had to beg.

If an evil plot succeeds against you despite your efforts, do not despair or become mad. And definitely do not resort to evil to get revenge. Rather, like with every difficulty, be grateful. Seriously, be grateful! You have been reminded of how it is not worth striving for this world's pleasures, and will InsyaAllah be less attached. Moreover, you get a bonus of good deeds and a sink for your evil ones.

Remember that deceit and evil existed in humanity since one of Adam's sons killed his own brother. This means we can learn a lot from the noblest of people before us- how they dealt with the darkness of humanity. So open a biography or history book and see what you can learn.

To conclude, I believe the correct response in general is to try preventing the evil and prepare for conflict if needed, but if you can't avoid it, know that Allah will reward you immensely should you be patient and grateful.