Bad Assumptions

When “bad assumptions” (سوء الظن) are permissible:

In principle, we should have good assumptions (حسن الظن) about our brothers and sisters, but if someone displays bad conduct, we should not be gullible and expect only good to come from them.

Ibn Battaal says:

سوء الظن جائز عند أهل العلم لمن كان مظهرا للقبيح ومجانبا لأهل الصلاح وغير مشاهد للصلوات فى الجماعة
“According to the people of knowledge, it is permissible to have bad assumptions about a person who displays bad conduct, keeps away from righteous people, and does not attend the congregational prayers.”

[“Sharh Sahih al-Bukhari”, 28/414].

In situations like this, it is allowed to be cautious and have bad assumptions (سوء الظن), to protect ourselves against their harm.