In this current day and age it is so important to unify ourselves, exhorting each other to the truth and righteousness and forbidding one another from evil and sin. The Noble Quran and Sunnah are replete with many examples of how to undertake this duty with tact whilst achieving the required result.
Teaching people is one of the greatest good deeds whose benefits spread to others. Abu ‘Eesa said, “Allah and the angels, and even the ant in its nest and the whale in the sea will pray for the one who teaches people the ways of good” (Reported by al-Tirmidhi).
Dealing with and correcting mistakes is also a part of sincerity in religion which is a duty on all Muslims.
Understanding the Prophet’s methodology in dealing with the mistakes of the people he met is of great importance, because the Prophet (SAW) was guided by his Lord, and his words and deeds were supported by the wahy, and confirmed or corrected as needed. His methods are wiser and more efficacious, and using his approach is the best way to get people to respond positively. If the one who is in a position to guide and teach others adopts these methods and this approach, his efforts will be successful. Following the method and approach of the Prophet (SAW) also involves following his example, for he is the best example for us, and this will lead us to a great reward from Allah, if our intention is sincere.
We must point out that the practical application of this methodology in real life relies heavily on ijtihaad (studying the situation and attempting to determine the best approach) to a great extent. This involves selecting the best methods for a particular situation. Whoever understands people’s nature will be able to notice similarities between real life situations and situations described in the texts, so he will be able to choose the most appropriate method from among the methods of the Prophet (SAW).
When correcting the mistakes of others, it is essential that one’s intention be to earn the pleasure of Allah, not to demonstrate one's superiority or to vent one’s anger or to impress others.
Be aware that everyone makes mistakes. The Prophet (SAW) said: “Every son of Adam makes mistakes, and the best of those who make mistakes are those who repent.” (Reported by al-Tirmidhi, by Ibn Maajah,) This will remind the da’iyah and educator who is striving to enjoin what is good and forbid what is evil that he too is a human being who could also make the same mistake, so he should deal with him on a footing of compassion rather than harshness, because the basic aim is to reform, not to punish.
Saying that someone is wrong should be based on shar'i evidence and proper understanding, not on ignorance and that fact that one happens not to like it.
In some cases it may be more wise to refer the act of naseeha to someone else. Maybe you know that there could be a chance of the person who has made a mistake will not listen to you but would listen to their father or Imam for example.
Not hastening to deal with mistakes goes against the interests of Islam and misses out on the opportunity to strike while the iron is hot, as it were. Yet contrary to this, being too hasty could not be the right thing to do. May be a person is in an angry state and would not listen properly therefore you should wait until the person is calm. Or sometimes we need to get the full picture of a situation first before we can make judgment.
Also, a person who is seeking knowledge should not be too hasty to condemn any opinion that differs from that with which he is familiar; he should first be sure of what he is saying, because that opinion may turn out to be a valid scholarly opinion.
We should deal with mistakes by explaining the ruling (hukm) and repeatedly remind people to fear Allah. We should show compassion and remain calm when dealing with people’s mistakes.
It is wise to explain the seriousness of the mistake and the harmful effects of the mistake and possibly offer a sound alternative.
It is sometimes necessary to use a more stronger approach in order to have a better impact. The educator may show anger in proportion to the mistake. This is a sign that his heart is alert to wrongdoing and will not keep silent about it, so that the others present will feel afraid of making the same mistake.
The one who has made a mistake may be rebuked or shunned. Speaking bluntly to a person about the mistake can be a useful method that saves times and energy, and gets the point across in the easiest manner, but it should only be done when it is appropriate to the situation and the people involved.
We can also (sometimes) do more than just talk to someone about their mistake, we can help them correct their mistake.
Abu Hurayrah (RA) said: “Whilst we were sitting with the Prophet (SAW), a man came to him and said, ‘O Messenger of Allaah, I am doomed!’ He said, ‘What is the matter with you?’ He said, ‘I had intercourse with my wife whilst I was fasting.’ The Messenger of Allaah (SAW) said, ‘Are you able to set a slave free?’ He said, ‘No.’ He asked, ‘Can you fast for two consecutive months?’ He said, ‘No.’ he said, ‘Can you feed sixty poor persons?’ He said, ‘No.’ The Prophet (SAW) said nothing more about the matter for a while, and whilst we were sitting there like that, the Prophet (SAW) was brought a large vessel full of dates. He said, ‘Where is the one who was asking just now?’ The man said, ‘Here I am.’ He said, ‘Take this and give it in charity.’ The man said, ‘O Messenger of Allaah, is there anyone poorer between al-Harratayn [i.e., in Madeenah] than my family?’ The Prophet (SAW) smiled so broadly that his eyeteeth could be seen, then he said, ‘Feed it to your family.’” (Reported by al-Bukhaari, no. 1936).
Saturday, 23 May 2009
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