Thursday, December 4, 2014

Giving Advice in Islam and our Duties as Muslims to do this

Presented by: Sister Rim


We live in a society and time where we are taught to mind our own business and not interfere with what other people are doing.  We see what people do, comment to ourselves or others , but rarely offer any constructive advice.  However, as Muslims it is our duty to give advice to one another.....


In surah Al-Imran Allah says:


كُنْتُمْ خَيْرَ أُمَّةٍ أُخْرِجَتْ لِلنَّاسِ تَأْمُرُونَ بِالْمَعْرُوفِ وَتَنْهَوْنَ عَنِ الْمُنْكَرِ وَتُؤْمِنُونَ بِاللَّهِ ۗ وَلَوْ آمَنَ أَهْلُ الْكِتَابِ لَكَانَ خَيْرًا لَهُمْ ۚ مِنْهُمُ الْمُؤْمِنُونَ وَأَكْثَرُهُمُ الْفَاسِقُونَ


Kuntum khayra ommatin okhrijat lilnnasi tamuroona bialmaAAroofi watanhawna AAani almunkari watuminoona biAllahi walaw amana ahlu alkitabi lakana khayran lahum minhumu almuminoona waaktharuhumu alfasiqoona


Ye are the best of peoples, evolved for mankind, enjoining what is right, forbidding what is wrong, and believing in Allah. If only the People of the Book had faith, it were best for them: among them are some who have faith, but most of them are perverted transgressors.


So we can note from this that giving advice, by enjoining what is right, is one of the things that sets us apart as Muslims.


It was narrated from Abu Hurayrah (may Allah be pleased with him) that the Messenger of Allah (blessings and peace of Allah be upon him) said:


“The rights of one Muslim over another are six.” It was said: What are they, O Messenger of Allaah? He said: “If you meet him, greet him with salaam; if he invites you, accept the invitation; if he asks for advice, give him sincere advice; if he sneezes and praises Allaah, say Yarhamuk Allaah (may Allaah have mercy on you); if he falls sick, visit him; and if he dies, attend his funeral.”


Ash-Shawkaani (may Allah have mercy on him) said: What is meant by the words “The rights of the Muslim” is that they should not be omitted and doing them is either obligatory, or recommended to such an extent that it is very similar to being obligatory and should not be omitted. The word “right” (haqq) may be used in the sense of obligatory, as was mentioned by Ibn al-A‘raabi. (Muslim)
As Muslims we are required and obligated to offer sincere advice when we see our brother or sister doing wrong and to promote good behavior and morals.  However, not all of our advice giving is done correctly and may actually deter someone from taking our advice and become defensive.
Tips for giving advice:


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