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:

http://www.onislam.net/english/shariah/shariah-and-humanity/shariah-and-life/440333-tips-effective-advice-communication-skills-islam.html?Life=

Halaqa # 17

Intentions / Giving Advice

   

Attendance:

• 6  Sisters
• 1  Junior Sister

Location:  Headquarters

Agenda: (please note, we have included many links where you can read in detail more on each subject)

• OPENING DUA

رَّبِّ زِدْنِى عِلْمًا

Rabbi zidni ilma.     

My Lord, increase me in knowledge.

Quran Surat Ţāhā    Part of Ayah 20:114

• QURAN RECITATION

We read Surah Fatihah aloud altogether, then sisters individually read aloud a few letters/words, ayahs (according to her ability and with the help and encouragement of her fellow sisters).  We read Surah Baqarah from Ayat 216  till Ayat 237.  In sha Allah, this will be an ongoing part of our halaqa and one day in sha Allah, we will have Khatam Quran and begin again.

• SISTER’S TALK

Sister Rim read a talk about “Giving advice in Islam and our Duties as Muslims to do this”

To read a summary of her talk and also a link to tips for Giving Advice,

click here.

• LEARN A DUA

What to say if you see someone afflicted by misfortune  (say this privately)

Alhamdu lillaahil-lathee 'aafaanee mimmab-talaaka bihi wa fadhdhalanee 'alaa katheerin mimman khalaqa tafdheela.

Praise is to Allah Who has spared me what He has afflicted you with, and preferred me greatly above much of what He has created.

Reference: At-Tirmithi 5/493,4. See also Al-Albani, Sahih At-Tirmithi 3/153

• TECH TIP

Sister Asma (a member of our Shura Council recommends this site for listening and studying Quran.

www.houseofquran.com   

She describes it as “a wonderful website where you can listen to Quran by different reciters while the English translation is highlighted as you go along.  Check it out and see if you find it useful.  You can adjust the settings as you wish. InshaAllah you will benefit from this excellent website.”

• SISTERS TALK

What is your intention when reciting Quran?

Sisters took turns reading aloud the following article:

https://hadithcommentary.wordpress.com/articles/why-do-you-recite-the-quran/

• SISTERS TALK

Sister Winnie brought to the sisters attention a short story written in Arabic.  Sister Lamiaa kindly read that article and then translated into English for the benefit of all present. Click here for a link to the Arabic article and we would love if one of our members who speaks Arabic would send us an English translation to share with everyone.

• VIDEO

Assumptions - Nouman Ali Khan (25:17)

• CLOSING DUA

The Expiation of Assembly - Kaffaratul-Majlis

Subhaanaka Allaahumma wa bihamdika, 'ash-hadu 'an laa 'ilaaha 'illaa 'Anta, 'astaghfiruka wa 'atoobu 'ilayka.

Glory is to You, O Allah, and praise is to You. I bear witness that there is none worthy of worship but You. I seek Your forgiveness and repent to You.

Reference: Abu Dawud, Ibn Majah, At-Tirmithi and An-Nasa'i. See also Al-Albani, Sahih At-Tirmithi 3/ 153. Aishah (RA) said: "Allah's Messenger (SAW) did not sit in a gathering, and did not recite the Qur'an, and did not perform any prayer without concluding by saying ... (then she quoted the above)." This was reported by An-Nasa'i in 'Amalul-Yawm wal-Laylah (no.308), and Dr. Farooq Hamadah graded it authentic in his checking of the same book, p. 273. See also Ahmad 6/77

If any of this information was good and true, know that it comes from Allah subhanahu wa ta’ala.  If there are mistakes we ask for Allah’s Forgiveness and Mercy.