Allah declares in Surah Al-An'am (6:59) that all knowledge - "the manifest and the hidden" - is contained within the Quran. The Quran isn't just a holy book - it's a complete guide to life that even explains human behavior.
One of its most striking psychological insights comes from Surah At-Tawbah (9:47), where Allah warns the believers about the dangers of allowing hypocrites and negative influencers to remain in their midst.
لَوۡ خَرَجُوۡا فِیۡکُمۡ مَّا زَادُوۡکُمۡ اِلَّا خَبَالًا وَّ لَا۠اَوۡضَعُوۡا خِلٰلَکُمۡ یَبۡغُوۡنَکُمُ الۡفِتۡنَۃَ
"Had they gone forth with you, they would not have increased you except in confusion, and they would have been active among you, seeking [to cause] you fitnah"
This verse was revealed during the preparations for the Battle of Tabuk, a difficult expedition in scorching heat. Some hypocrites sought excuses to avoid participating, while others pretended to support the cause while secretly spreading doubt.
The Tabuk campaign presented unique challenges:
- Substantial geographical distance from Medina
- Extreme summer conditions
- Significant material and physical demands
This verse offers timeless wisdom on human psychology, group dynamics, and the types of people we should avoid in our personal and communal lives.
Here are few psychological traits of "toxic people" that we can derive in light of quran. They spread confusion (Khabāl). The verse mentions that hypocrites would have only added "khabāl" (confusion, disorder) to the group i.e. In workplaces, families, or communities, some individuals constantly doubt, criticize, and create unnecessary complications.
Their negativity drains motivation and disrupts focus. Allah ordains that it is better to stay afar from such people to maintain clarity and unity. They thrive on Fitnah (discord). The verse describes how they would run around among you trying to incite fitnah (strife).
These are the gossipers, backbiters, and instigators who enjoy turning people against each other. They destroy trust and create divisions in families, friendships, and organizations.
Engaging regularly with individuals which such attributes can have detrimental effects on one's mental health. It's essential to recognize such people and consider strategies such as setting clear boundaries with them to mitigate these effects.
May Allah grant us the ability to live by the Quran's guidance in our daily lives, help us seek His wisdom in all matters,
Photo by ALEXANDRE DINAUT on Unsplash
