The Difference between Advising and Condemning pdf

The Difference between Advising and Condemning

THE DIFFERENCE BETWEEN ADVISING AND CONDEMNING

Book Contents

• Introduction
• A Brief Biography of Ibn Rajab
• Forms of Advising
• The Manners of Advising
• The Recompense
• Concerning Condemning
• The Remedy

Indeed, the subject for this treatise is extremely important and most deserving of being studied

closely and attentively.

This treatise deals with a summary of the etiquettes of giving advice, while covering many of its key points, and it warns against what corrupts it and changes it from its pure form – which is condemning.

And in this country, how much are the Muslims in need of understanding this subject and of transferring it into practical application in their daily affairs.

Truly, the way towards solving the problems, disputes and divisions that have spread in many masjids and Islaamic centers can only be achieved by knowing the “Difference between Advising and Condemning.”

Many people turn towards backbiting as a result of their abandonment of implementing the etiquette of advising. So when they advise, they in reality degrade, belittle and condemn.

And others leave off advising people in a direct manner, instead criticizing them from a distance, without realizing the consequences that come as a result of that.

So due to all of this, we strongly advise our Muslim brothers to read this noble treatise and gain benefit from it. And we ask Allaah that He grant us the ability to do all that He loves and is pleased with.Written by: Abu Saalih

Forms of advising

If it is understood from someone, that he intends with his refutation of the scholars, to advise sincerely towards Allaah and His Messenger, then it is obligatory that he be treated with kindness, respect and veneration, just as was done by all the Muslim Imaams whose mention and examples were stated (previously), as well as those who followed them in goodness.

And if it is understood from someone that he desires, with his refuting of them, to defame, slander and expose (their) faults, then he deserves to be confronted with disciplinary action so that he and his likes will be prevented from these grotesque forbidden actions.

This intention can be recognized at times by the (own) affirmation and acknowledgment of the one refuting and at times by hints that are given in his actions and statements.

So whosoever is known for his knowledge, religious characteristics, respect and esteem for the Imaams of the Muslims, he will not state a refutation nor a clarification of an error except in the manner in which other scholars see it proper.

With regard to books and works of research, it is an obligation for one to understand the author’s words as having the intention mentioned in the first case.²³ And whoever takes his words to mean something other than that – while his condition is like that which has been stated (of good)

– then he is from those who think evil and suspicious thoughts about one who is innocent. And this is from the types of suspicion that Allaah and His Messenger, sallAllaahu ‘alayhi wa sallam, have forbidden. So he falls under the saying of Allaah, the Most Perfect: