7/31/2019 Giving Sincere Advice

1/2

Giving Sincere AdviceGiving advice is an Islamic obligation, which every Muslim should fulfill regardless ofwhat people may think of him. He should not think about the reaction of people, whether

they will condemn or praise him.

Moreover, one should not allow satanic whispers to hinder him from giving advice on the

pretext that he may feel superior to others. But he should let the pleasure of Allah andobtaining His reward be his sole goal and motivation.

In stressing this fact, the Prophet ( peace be upon him) says, Religion is founded upon

(sincere) advice. We (attending Companions) said: To whom O Messenger of Allah? He

said: ... to the leaders of the Muslims as well as their common folk.

But there are some manners and conditions which are necessary for fulfilling this taskgiving advice. Allah Almighty says, (Call unto the way of your Lord with wisdom and fair

exhortation, and reason with them in the better way. Lo! your Lord is best aware of him

who strayeth from His way, and He is Best Aware of those who go aright. (An-Nahl16:125)

Wisdom and fair exhortation are the most important prerequisites for a da`iyah, as he/she

should be careful in choosing the suitable time and the suitable means for giving advice.

For instance, one should be careful in choosing his words and give advice in a very gentlemanner. The advisor should not give advice publicly lest he embarrasses the person whom

he advises.

You should keep in mind that advice in Islam requires certain ethics which are as follows:

1. It should be in secret, i.e., one should advise in secret not in public so as not to embarrassthe person.

2. Advice should be given in a kind and gentle manner.

3. The adviser should explain to the person his wrongdoing and support his stance with

proofs from Shariah (islamic law).

Therefore, if you abide by these ethics, people will accept your advice. If they do notaccept, Allah will reward you for your sincere efforts in advising people.

Advice, in fact, is a must in Islam, for the Prophet, peace and blessings be upon him, says:

Religion is founded upon (sincere) advice. And: Whoever sees a wrong, should change it

by his hand, if he is not able to do so, let him do so by his tongue, and if he is not able to doso, let him do so by his heart, and the latter is the slightest of faith.

Accordingly, you should sincerely advise your friends, relatives, etc., irrespective of their

acceptance as long as you abide by the Islamic ethics of advice. May Allah help you in

7/31/2019 Giving Sincere Advice

2/2

doing good!

In conclusion, we would like to cite a practical example of giving advice to the elders. This

is the example set by Al-Hasan and Al-Husayn, the grandsons of the Prophet (peace and

blessings be upon him) while dealing with an old man who did not perform wudu(ablution) properly. Upon seeing this, they asked him to judge between them, as each of

them claimed that he performed ablution in a more proper way than the other. Both of them

performed ablution properly in front of the man. The man got their hint and learnt theproper way of making ablution. This proves that in cases like this hints and indirect advice

are much more effective for they save one from embarrassment and do not hurt feelings.