. I '/ } (cont.)

He says that the obligation to refute the misled heretical groups is an obligation that falls upon the shoulders of the people of knowledge only. They are the ones with the 1 These were all quoted in ibn Rajab, Jaami, vol. 1 , p. 225. Also see Ahmad Haqqi, Al-Arbaoon Hadeethanfee Akhlaaq ma Sharhaha (Riyadh: Daar Taweeq, 1996), pp. 109-110. 2 Cf., Fawwaaz Zamarli, Al-Naseehah wa Atharahaafi Binaa al-Fard wa al-Mujtama al-Faadhil (Beirut: Daar ibn Hazm, 1994), p. 5. 3 Note, for example, al-Nawawi, Sharh, vol. 1, p. 240. 4 12 Hadith #7: The Religion is Naseehah knowledge to refute such innovations. Similarly, it is also the scholars' obligation to refute the gross mistakes and slips of the other scholars. This is all part of their obligatory naseehah to the remainder of the Muslim community. Other Points Related to this Hadith • A Muslim cannot be all to himself and not care about what happens to the other Muslims. Instead, it is his obligation to make naseehah to the other Muslims. This means he is required to wish the best for them and to bring about the best for them if he has the ability to do so. • The best naseehah that one can make for himself is to make naseehah to himself by encouraging himself to do what is right and proper and to stay away from sins and disobedience of Allah. • Ibn Hazm points out that a person should not make naseehah only on the condition that his advice is accepted. 1 His responsibility is first and foremost to Allah. Even if the others do not accept his advice, he should still advise them. Furthermore, if they find that his advice is not the best approach to follow, this is for them to decide. The important point is that the Muslim fulfilled his obligation toward Allah by sincerely advising others. • Zamarli stresses that when advising another person, the adviser should be sincere of heart. The goal of such advice is to make things better and remove some fault or evil. Deception and hypocrisy in one's heart would probably not lead to such good results. Zamarli states that in the same way that a deed is not accepted by Allah unless it is done sincerely for His sake, advice will not have its positive, reforming effect unless it is sincere from the advisor's heart.2 • Another important aspect for the advisor is to have knowledge concerning the act he is giving advice about. If he does not have such knowledge, he may think he is giving sound advice while, in reality, what he is advising may be harmful for the one to whom he is giving advice.3 • A Muslim should accept the sincere and sound advice that comes to him from any source. He should not allow pride or any other reason to interfere with him accepting what is best for him. Furthermore, when advice or correction comes to him from his brother, he should not begin to doubt his brother's intention and think that his brother is simply trying to ridicule or disgrace him. Umar ibn al-Khattaab once said, "Do not think evil of 1 Ali ibn Hazm, Al-Akhlaaq wa al-Seer fl Mudaawaat al-Nufoos (Shariqah, UAE: Daar al-Fath, 1993), p. 48. 2 Zamarli, pp. 17-18. 3 For more on this point, see Zamarli, pp. 1 8-20. 4 13 Commentary on the Forty Hadith of al-Nawawi anything that comes from your brother Muslim's tongue whenever there is a way to interpret it in a good way."1 • Sultaan states that this naseehah is not just toward other Muslims. The Prophet (peace be upon him) made naseehah to his people, the disbelieving Quraish of Makkah. A Muslim should try to make naseehah to the non­ Muslims. This is done by teaching them about Islam and trying to show them the straight path. When fulfilling this type of naseehah for the sake of Allah, one should be willing to endure hardships as the Prophet (peace be upon him) also had to endure hardships.2 • Love is an important driving force behind naseehah. If one has strong love for Allah, His messenger, His book and so forth, his conduct with respect to them will be more sincere. Al-Fudhail ibn Iyaadh said, "Love is better than fear. Do you not see that if you have two slaves and one of them loves you while the other fears you, the one who loves you will be sincere to you while you are present or absent due to his love for you. However, the one who fears you may be sincere to you when you are present and he fears you but he will deceive you and not be sincere to you when you are absent."3 Summary of the Hadith • The reality of this religion, the essence of this religion or a necessary component of this religion is naseehah. • Naseehah means that the person has a true feeling of well-wishing for others. He wants what is best for them. He strives for that goal in his actions.