[9] What Conduct Is Truly Befitting Among The Carriers of Knowledge and Learners

بسم الله الرحمن الرحيم

Imam Al-Barbahaaree, may Allah have mercy upon him, said:

“It is not permissible to hide sincere advice from any of the Muslims, whether pious or impious, in matters of the religion. Whoever hides that has acted deceitfully towards the Muslims. Whoever acts deceitfully towards the Muslims has done so towards the religion. Whoever acts deceitfully towards the religion has behaved treacherously towards Allah, His Messenger and the believers”.

Al-Allamah Ahmad Bin Yahyah An-Najmi, may Allah have mercy upon him, said:

I say: The meaning of An-Naseehah is ‘Purity’ and ‘Clearness’. It is said:

[ نصح اللبن – the milk is pure] when it is clear. This is the linguistic meaning of An-Naseehah. In the Shariah, (it means) to inform a Muslim regarding what is obligated to him in relation to the (rights of Allah or his relationship with Allah) and His creation without slyness and false courtesy. An-Naseehah is obligatory, even though its obligation varies, and its opposite is Al-Ghish [deception].

Indeed, the Prophet, peace and blessings of Allah be upon him, said in the hadith:

“The religion is Naseehah, the religion is Naseehah, the religion is Naseehah; so, the Sahaabah said, ‘O Messenger of Allah! To who?’ He said, ‘To Allaah, His Book, His Messenger, to the leaders of the Muslims and their common folk”.

Abu Hurairah, may Allah be pleased with him, narrated that Allah’s Messenger, peace and blessings of Allah be upon him, passed by a pile of foodstuff, he put his hand in it and found that it was wet. He said: “What is this, O seller of the foodstuff?” He said, “It became wet due to the rain O Messenger of Allah!” He said, “Why do you not put it on top of the food so that people can see it? Whoever deceives is not from me”. [Muslim 102]

Deception in trade is when one hides a defect (found in the commodity). And with regards to consultation, it is when one recommends something to a person that is harmful to his religious or worldly affairs.

As for Naseehah Lil-Laah – [sincerity to Allah]: It is to believe in Allah, The Most High, single Him out in (His Lordship, Names and Attributes and to single Him out in worship), give precedence to obeying Him over obedience to the creation, fearing the standing in His presence (on the Day of judgement) and to be mindful of Him in private and public.

As for An-Naseehah Li-kitabihi-[Sincerity to His Book]: It is to recite it, ponder upon its meanings, act upon it and believe in the information it contains.

As for Naseehah Li-Rasulihi – [Sincerity to His Messenger]: It is to testify to that which he has informed (us), fulfil what he commanded, keep away from what he has forbidden, exalt and honour him.

An-Naseehah Li-A’immatil Muslimeen- [Sincerity to the leaders of the Muslims]: It is to obey them in that which does not necessitate disobedience to Allah, to refrain from betraying them, send them advice through those who are able to advise them in private because that is the manner that will be more suitable for advice to be accepted.

An-Naseehah Li-Aammatil Muslimeen- [sincerity to the common Muslims]: It is to call them to the path of Allah, teach them what is beneficial and warn them against that which will harm them.

Ir’shaad As-Saari Fee Sharh As-Sunnah Lil-Barbahaaree. Pages 157-158. slightly paraphrased