In the name of Allah the Most Gracious the Most Merciful

Accepting Naseeha (Sincere Advice)

By Shaykh Muhammad bin Haadee al-Madkhali may Allah preserve him

If you love your Muslim brothers what you love for yourself, and you hate for them what you hate for yourself, then advise them. And giving Naseeha (sincere advice) to the people is from the mannerisms of the Messengers, may Allah’s peace and blessings be upon them all. Allah said about Hud,

وَأَنَا لَكُمْ نَاصِحٌ أَمِينٌ

“…and I am a trustworthy adviser for you.” [Surah al-’Araaf: 68]

When Hud enjoined upon them the worship of Allah alone without any partners, warned them from shirk, clarified to them what Allah prepared for those who obeyed Him, and for those who disobeyed Him, he said,

“…and I am a trustworthy adviser for you.”

And Allah said about Saalih, peace and blessings upon him, when he spoke to his people,

لَقَدْ أَبْلَغْتُكُمْ رِسَالَةَ رَبِّي وَنَصَحْتُ لَكُمْ وَلَكِنْ لَا تُحِبُّونَ النَّاصِحِينَ

“O my people! I have indeed conveyed to you the Message of my Lord, and have given you good advice but you like not good advisers.” [Surah al-’Araaf: 79]

It is obligatory for every person with an intellect to accept the naseeha from his brother when it is extended to him. When his mistake is clarified and made clear to him. It is not permissible to become arrogant and prideful when naseeha is given. Just as it is not permissible for one (giving naseeha) to remain silent about his brother when he sees him upon a mistake. So the one who is advising you is the same person who loves you. Why? Because he loves for you what he loves for himself, and he hates for you what he hates for himself in affairs in the worldly life and hereafter.

Source: al-Ibaanah as-Sagheer: Third Lecture

Translated by: Abu Awzaa’ee AbdusSalaam

الفقير الى الله

To learn more about Naseeha and the correct way it should be given please read this Ebook by Shaykh Fawzaan.